Microsurgery involves the use of an operating microscope to assist in a variety of reconstructive procedures. High magnification makes it possible  to precisely sew tiny blood vessels and nerves with sutures and needles finer than human hair. In addition to repairing damaged nerves and arteries, it is also possible to perform complex reconstructive procedures by moving skin, muscle, nerves, intestine, and/or bone from one part of the body to another. By using the microscope, the surgeon reconnects the blood vessels and nerves to the transferred tissues. This technique may be particularly helpful when a large wound is present that cannot be closed with nearby tissues or simple skin grafting.
Microsurgery may be useful
in the following situations:
| Post-traumatic Reconstruction |
- Nerve repair
- Replantation of amputated finger,
hand, toe, foot, ear, scalp. lip
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| Post-burn Reconstruction |
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| Reconstruction Following Cancer Surgery |
- Breast surgery
- Free TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap
- Free gluteus (buttock) flap
- Head and neck surgery
- Radial forearm fasciocutaeous (skin and fascia) flap
- Muscle flaps
- Free fibula (bone) for jaw reconstruction
- Free jejunum (intestine) for throat reconstruction
- Bone and soft tissue tumors
- Muscle flaps for limb salvage
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| Chronic Wounds |
- Radiation wounds
- Osteomyelitis (chronic bone infection)
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Venous stasis ulcers
- Muscle flaps
- Fasciocutaneous flaps
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| Muscle Paralysis |
- Facial reanimation
- Nerve grafting
- Innervated muscle transfer
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| Complex Wounds |
- Combination skin and muscle flap
- Combination skin, muscle, and bone flap
- Combination muscle and bone flap
- Prefabricated flaps (stage reconstruction in which the tissue is tailored prior to transfer to the reconstruction site)
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Inpatient Facilities:
Hospital University of Pennsylvania (HUP)
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Office Visit Locations:
Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
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Making an Office Visit Appointment:
1-800-789-PENN (HUP) |
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