Doctors from Amrita Hospital have successfully conducted a complex scalp replantation surgery on a 13-year-old girl, who had a traumatic accident when her long hair got caught in the fan of a generator at a local fair. The surgery, unique in its kind of advanced reconstructive microsurgery, took eight hours to complete.

According to the doctors, the horrific total scalp avulsion the teenager suffered would have caused permanent disfigurement for the rest of their lives if the procedure was not conducted. The rare and intricate surgery is unique in its kind of advanced reconstructive microsurgery.

After the accident, doctors said that even though the young girl was rushed to a nearby hospital, only initial stabilization was done, and due to a lack of specialized microvascular surgical facilities, her family sought further treatment.

“The patient’s scalp was ripped off when her hair got caught in the generator’s fan. If the scalp replantation had not been successful, the patient would have required skin grafting to cover her bare skull bones, leaving her permanently disfigured. This would have affected her emotionally and socially, especially at such a young age,” said Dr. Vasundhra Jain, Senior Consultant, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

According to Dr. Mohit Sharma, HoD, Centre for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Hospital, the procedure was very difficult to master. “Total scalp avulsion is a devastating injury, and the success of replantation depends on timely intervention and advanced microvascular surgical skills,” he said. “During the procedure, we carefully reconnected the blood vessels, nerves, and tissues to restore the scalp. The surgery lasted for over eight hours, and the patient’s recovery so far has been excellent,” he added.

“The patient’s reappearance has been restored to near normal level, and she has already returned to school and living a happy and normal life.”

Scalp replantation is a microsurgical procedure that is considered the best way to reconstruct a scalp that has been completely avulsed or torn away. It's the preferred option when the amputated part is available because the scalp's unique hair-bearing properties make it difficult to replace with other methods.

Doctors say scalp replantation should be performed in every possible case. Despite partial skin necrosis, hair growth in the remaining areas is possible. In cases of partial skin necrosis, it is possible to eliminate the hairless areas by implanting an expander and excising the hairless area.

Doctors say after the surgery, you can expect discomfort, redness, tenderness, and possible discharge for the first two weeks. You should also avoid alcohol for 24 hours and smoking for two weeks before and after surgery.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.