Hand replantation using loupe magnification in a resource constrained environment: Case report

Abstract

Hand replantation is a common surgical procedure worldwide. However, this practice is underdeveloped in many resource-constrained countries in part due to a lack of surgical microscopes. We present a patient successfully managed using loupe magnification. A 17-year-old patient presented with an amputated right hand secondary to a chaff cutter. After an 8-hour surgical procedure, the amputated hand was successfully re-attached to the stump using loupes. The patient's functional recovery was satisfactory after two years of follow-up. In conclusion, replantation of extremities can be successfully achieved using loupe magnification. Loupes should be considered an alternative to operating microscopes for replantation of extremities especially in resource-constrained countries.