In a week, he performed three demanding surgeries at the Dubrava Hospital.

In the past week, three complex surgical procedures were performed at Dubrava General Hospital (KB Dubrava), with surgeons successfully reattaching severed body parts. One patient lost a finger during renovation work on his family home, while another suffered the loss of three fingers on his left hand due to construction activities on a circular road. Both patients underwent replantation surgeries, with the second case lasting up to nine hours. Dr. Marko Barić, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery, explained the challenges of such operations. “During the entire replantation process, we must pay particular attention to these tiny structures. First, we connect bones and tendons as larger structures, followed by microanastomosis of arteries, veins, and nerves,” he told HRT. He noted that while a typical finger replantation usually takes around two hours, aligning with global standards, the current case was significantly more complex. “We had some difficulty with osteosynthesis of the bone, which caused the procedure to take longer than usual,” Barić added. The hospital has conducted approximately twenty replantations annually, emphasizing that the success of such procedures depends heavily on the coordination and expertise of the entire medical team. A major advancement for the clinic came with the acquisition of a new operating microscope, the first of its kind in over two decades. Previously, the hospital relied on borrowed equipment from other hospitals for the most intricate cases. “This represents a significant step forward for the clinic,” said Prim. izv. prof. dr. sc. Rado Žic, head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery. “Now we have our own microscope available at all times. It offers a magnification of 56 times and the possibility of working with a 3D display, allowing us to perform even the most complex procedures that we previously could not.” Beyond upgrading their equipment, the hospital is also investing in the education of its medical staff. Next year, one specialist will spend a year training in Taiwan under one of the world’s leading experts in brachial plexus, peripheral nerve, and microsurgery. “Each year, we welcome one or two specialists from around the globe, making this a significant achievement for Croatia,” Žic stated. Looking ahead, the hospital expects that improved equipment and enhanced training will enable them to handle even more complicated microsurgical procedures. This would reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment, particularly to Austria, where many such cases have traditionally been handled. The hospital anticipes that this shift will result in cost savings for the Croatian healthcare system.