Introduction:
Thumb replantation is a complicated microsurgical procedure with the aim of restoring the functionality and appearance of a severed appendage. The bones and surrounding soft tissue must all be intricately reattached. A major component in thumb replantation is establishing a suitable connection between the vessels that supply the replanted thumb (1). The size mismatch between the veins and the venous coupler used for anastomosis can be a point of conflict in the venous anastomosis stage (2). Vasodilators, such as papaverine, can be utilized when the diameter of veins is smaller than that of the coupler in order to achieve a successful anastomosis (3). Papaverine, an alkaloid vasodilator produced from the opium poppy plant, has been used in a variety of surgical operations to increase blood flow and improve anastomotic results (3).
In this case study, we explain how papaverine was administered as a vasodilator to widen a superficial vein with a diameter of 0.7mm during thumb replantation with the goal of accommodating a 1mm coupler whilst still ensuring satisfactory anastomosis.