Replantation and revascularization of amputated parts of extremities: a three-year report from the Viennese replantation team.

A Replantation Team was instituted in Vienna 3 years ago. This team is the oldest in Europe. One hundred and eighty-one complete and incomplete amputated parts of 118 patients were replanted during this period. A survival rate of 86% and a useful functional result ("integrated parts") in 78% of the cases was obtained. Appropriate preparation of the amputated parts, the right timing, a 24 hour service and a clear indication with intensive postoperative physicotherapeutical treatment are the fundamental points for this result.