In an astonishing medical tale, a woman from China experienced a remarkable journey to recover her severed ear after it was torn off during an industrial accident. To ensure its viability for future reattachment, doctors at a hospital in Shandong performed a unique procedure, grafting her ear onto her foot.
Five months later, the surgical team concluded that the injuries to her head were too severe for immediate reattachment of the ear. They opted for a technique known as “heterotopic survival,” which involves attaching severed body parts to different areas of the body to maintain blood flow and promote tissue healing. In this case, the ear of 30-year-old Ms. Sun was successfully grafted onto the top of her foot.
This innovative approach proved effective, as the skin on the tops of feet and ears possess similar characteristics, including thinness, stable blood circulation, and compatible blood vessel sizes. After initial concerns about the potential for necrosis, Ms. Sun’s ear gradually regained its natural color, a promising sign of recovery.
Throughout the five months, Ms. Sun wore a shoe several sizes larger than usual to protect her delicate ear. Finally, in October, her surgical team assessed her condition and determined it was time to reconnect the damaged blood vessels and nerves. The complex procedure unfolded successfully, and Ms. Sun is now on the road to recovery.
Experts have emphasized the importance of maintaining blood flow through heterotopic survival when immediate reattachment is not possible, especially for delicate tissues like ears. This incredible story is a testament to medical innovation and the resilience of the human spirit.
