Replantation
“Replantation” refers to the surgical reattachment of a finger, hand, or arm that has been completely cut from a person’s body. The goal of replantation surgery is to give the patient back as much use of the injured area as possible. In some cases, replantation is not possible because the part is too damaged. If the lost part cannot or should not be reattached, you may have the alternative of a prosthesis, a device that substitutes for a missing part of the body. In many cases, a prosthesis may give you the ability to function better than you would without the prosthesis.
Replantation is usually recommended when the replanted part will work at least as well as a prosthesis. Generally, a missing hand or finger would not be replanted knowing that it would not work, be painful, or get in the way of everyday life. Before surgery, the doctor will, if possible, explain the procedure and the substantial commitment of time and effort needed from the patient for recovery, as well as how much use is likely to return following replantation. The patient and/or family members must decide whether that amount of use justifies the long and difficult operation, time in the hospital, and months or years of rehabilitation.