LR Schleritzko: Treating such injuries is very complex and resource-intensive
St. Pölten (OTS) – As the only center in Lower Austria, the replantation center of the Clinical Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at the St. Pölten University Hospital provides interdisciplinary care for numerous amputated body parts for patients around the clock.
“The treatment of such injuries is very complex and resource-intensive and is therefore tied to appropriately specialized centers. At the St. Pölten University Hospital, it is possible to achieve a reconstruction of form and function even in the case of serious hand injuries and to reintegrate our patients into everyday life and work in the best possible way,” says Ludwig Schleritzko, the state councilor responsible for the state clinics.
Hands are the most injured part of the human body, with occasional complete separations (amputations) of fingers or hands. These amputation injuries can affect individual fingers, but also entire hands, arms or extremities. Thanks to intensive preventative measures (e.g. occupational safety), the annual number of these serious injuries has been steadily reduced across Austria over the last few decades. Nevertheless, many amputated body parts are treated in an interdisciplinary manner every year at the St. Pölten University Hospital Replantation Center. An attempt at reconstruction is technically possible in around 30 – 40 cases per year. The success rate has increased to over 83 percent of cases in the last five years and is therefore in the top international field. Here, injured structures are treated microsurgically and amputates are sewn back on. These highly complex operations require appropriate expertise from all specialist groups: plastic surgery, trauma surgery and anesthesia.
By working together, if indicated correctly, these injuries can most likely be restored and meaningful function achieved. For this purpose, assessment of the injured structures and subsequent reconstruction of these. In order to restore blood circulation, which is often necessary, the finger vessels are reconnected under the high-resolution surgical microscope with threads that are smaller than human hair. In addition, damaged structures often have to be reconstructed using the body’s own spare parts. The reconstruction of fingers or hands is carried out according to a precise plan in order to restore them efficiently and safely. These procedures therefore require surgeons with microsurgical and traumatological expertise, as well as a team of anesthesiologists and surgical nursing staff who are committed to these procedures for several hours.
The follow-up care of these patients is also complex and must be as comprehensive as possible. This includes, for example, early support from trained psychologists in order to be able to cope with the usually sudden accident and its consequences. Furthermore, after a successful operation, the function of the affected hand must be quickly restored using the specialized therapy offered by the Clinical Institute for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, such as physiotherapy or additional electrotherapy.
Further information: NÖ LGA media service, [email protected] or from DI (FH) Thomas Wallner MA, Public Relations St. Pölten University Hospital, Tel.: +43 (0) 2742 9004 10030, email [email protected]
Questions & Contact:
Office of the Lower Austrian State Government
State Office Directorate/Public Relations
Ing. Mag. John Seiter
02742/9005-12174
presse@noel.gv.at
www.noe.gv.at/presse
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