[Primary surgical treatment of amputated fingers and indications for digital replantation].

The amputation of a single finger, or its part, or more fingers results in functional and esthetic changes in the patient's life. Until 1965 when the first thumb ever was replanted, the treatment of amputated digits had been limited by technical facilities of the medical science. Since 1970s, the development of fine suture materials, microsurgical instruments and the operating microscope has made it possible that replantations have become routine procedures in hand surgery. Both surgical procedures and indication schemes have also evolved. The primary surgical treatment has been standardized to involve the wrapping of amputated parts in dressing material saturated with isotonic solution and cooling at 4 to 10 degrees C during transport. The first enthusiasm for replantation of everything that had been amputated was replaced, owing to long-term post-operative results, by a more selective approach. Even an absolute indication for digital replantation, such as amputation of a thumb, two or more fingers, amputation in the palm and all amputations in children, must be put aside when life-threatening injuries or serious diseases are present. The benefit of replantation should always outweigh the trauma of any operative procedure because this must not harm the patient.