By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
An Australian surfer was airlifted to the hospital after a shark attack earlier this week, with his severed leg also transported to the facility. This has led to speculation about the possibility of limb reattachment.
Kai McKenzie was attacked by a suspected three metre great white shark off the mid-north coast of New South Wales on Tuesday. He managed to fend off the shark and reach the shore, where makeshift tourniquets were applied to control the bleeding. His severed leg was found onshore, placed on ice, and subsequently transported to the hospital. McKenzie is currently in stable condition at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. The decision on whether to attempt reattachment surgery has not been disclosed.
Surgeons consider several factors before proceeding with limb reattachment
Timeliness: For successful reattachment, severed limbs should be transported to a hospital within six hours to prevent muscle death. Muscle tissue begins to die once detached from its blood supply, making prompt medical intervention critical.
Storage: A severed limb should be kept moist and cold, but not directly on ice. It should be wrapped in a moist cloth, placed in a plastic bag, and then kept on ice or in a cold environment. Proper storage improves the likelihood of successful reattachment.
Suitability for Reattachment: Not all severed limbs are suitable for reattachment. The extent of damage and the condition of the limb will influence whether reattachment is feasible. Some limbs may suffer irreversible damage, reducing the likelihood of recovery and normal function.
Procedure: The reattachment procedure involves several steps. After ensuring the patient’s condition is stable, surgeons will trim and clean the damaged area, reestablish blood flow, and then reconnect bones, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. The process is intricate and time consuming, often lasting between 10 to 24 hours.
Complexity: Reattachment is a complex procedure requiring meticulous microsurgical skills. The severity of the injury affects the difficulty of the operation and the potential for functional recovery. Damaged limbs may end up shorter and less functional than before.
Post Procedure Care: After reattachment, close monitoring is necessary to ensure proper healing and to address potential complications such as infections or blood flow issues. Rehabilitation includes passive physiotherapy to maintain joint mobility and nerve recovery, which can be a lengthy process.
Functionality: Reattached limbs generally regain some level of function, but they may not fully return to their pre injury state. Recovery is often limited by the extent of the initial damage and the proximity of the injury to major nerves.
Frequency: Limb reattachment is relatively rare, with major trauma centers performing only a few such procedures annually. More commonly, surgeons address severe limb injuries that remain partially attached.
The decision to attempt limb reattachment involves careful consideration of these factors to determine the best course of action for each individual case.
