Summary: A 22-year-old male patient who suffered a severe crush injury to his right ear. The injury was caused by a concrete mixer resulting in almost complete avulsion of his right ear with multiple and extensive contusion crush-type lacerations. The ear was reattached. About 10 hours postoperatively, obvious venous congestion was noted. It was felt that medicinal leeches were required to salvage the ear
16 Hours Postoperatively:
The photograph shows severe venous congestion in the reimplanted ear following surgery.
48 Hours Postoperatively:
4 leeches have been applied every 8 hours. A definite improvement in venous
congestion was noted.
Two Months Postoperatively:
The entire ear survived except for a small area around the lobule of the ear.
72 Hours Postoperatively:
3 leeches have been applied every 8 hours. The ear was less swollen and obviously viable with markedly improved venous drainage.