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The Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery’s team of experienced and highly skilled plastic and reconstructive surgeons performs complex microsurgical procedures on patients of all ages with a variety of anatomical, functional, and cosmetic needs. Very often, these needs are related to congenital anomalies from birth, traumatic injuries, neurological disorders, cancer surgery and treatment, burns, or breast problems. Because many reconstructive microsurgeries are performed as emergencies, around-the-clock coverage by plastic and reconstructive surgeons is available in the medical center’s emergency and trauma centers.
Microsurgery utilizes a state-of-the-art operating microscope during surgery. As far back as 1921, surgeons discovered that microscopes could greatly enhance the precision of their operating techniques. Specialists in eye and ear surgery adopted the microscope, and its use in operating rooms soon became commonplace.
Magnification during surgery was so successful that plastic and reconstructive surgeons soon began to use it to repair small blood vessels and nerves. These structures had been too small to deal with reliably in the past. With the development of new micro instrumentation and micro sutures in the 1960s, microvascular surgery soon soared.
During microvascular surgery, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon uses an operating microscope to attach blood vessels (both arteries and veins) and nerves that are often smaller in width than a human hair. Arteries carry blood from the heart to a newly attached or transplanted tissue. Veins carry blood away from the tissue back to the heart. The successful reattachment of arteries and veins is essential to achieve successful surgery.
The precise application of microsurgical techniques has resulted in numerous advancements in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Blocks of a patient’s own tissue — consisting of skin, fat, muscles, and even bone — can be used to reconstruct areas all over the body that have been damaged by cancer, birth defects, burns, trauma, or nerve injuries. These techniques preserve or improve appearance and functioning.
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