The blood flow restored immediately even
before fixing the bone. Throughout the 
procedure the part was cooled over ice. 

The result at the end of three months. 

Totally amputated hand at the wrist level

The hand showing good function at the end of one year. 

At Ganga Hospital amputated fingers as far as the base of the nail have been rejoined by Microsurgery.  When the part becomes smaller the size of the blood vessel also gets smaller reaching 0.75 mm in diameter near the finger tips.  Repairing these vessels calls for great skill,  good equipments and time. 
    As the amputed part becomes bigger the vessels become larger but they cannot stand being without blood supply for long.  So while an amputed thumb can safely be joined (if properly stored) even after 8-9 hours, if the amputation is at the elbow it must be joined within  3 - 4 hours.  This is because the muscles cannot stand without blood supply for long.  Time is at a premium here and hence immediately rush to the replant center after an injury. 
 

Do Replanted parts function as before?
Replanted thumbs and most of the fingers function very well.  Nails do grow, and if the nerves are repaired well adequate senstion returns.  As we go higher the function depends upon the status of the nerves and tendons at the time of injury.  Clean  cut injuries give good results. In the long term allmost all the successfully  replanted patients are happy with the outcome.  The learn to use their hand.  Many long term studies have conclusively proved that the replanted and reconstructed major amputations in upper limb are functionally much better than the best available artificial hand.