An experimental study on "replantation toxemia". The effect of hypothermia on an amputated limb.

Hind legs of dogs were amputated at the middle of the thigh and preserved in three different conditions: in ice water, in a refrigerator, and at room temperature. After 6 or 12 hours of ischemia, recirculation was established. The survival rate of the animals was observed and measurement of limb edema, potassium, pH, and lactate in the blood was performed to study the effects of hypothermia on prevention of "replantation toxemia." Cooling of the amputated limb was effective for prevention of toxemia, and the cooling effect was greater in ice water than in a refrigerator. However, when cooled in ice water, some animals died due to toxemia when the time of ischemia was prolonged to 12 hours. In the dead animals, a close relationship was observed between the developement of toxemia and metabolic acidosis due to the increase in lactate.