Reconstructive Microvascular Surgery

Overview

Microvascular surgery uses a microscope to join tiny blood vessels and nerves. It allows surgeons to reconstruct areas after cancer surgery, trauma or burns, and to reattach amputated parts.

Why it is done

• Reconstruction after head and neck or breast cancer surgery
• Covering large wounds after injury
• Reattaching amputated fingers or hands
• Treating some cases of lymphoedema

Before the surgery

Assessment includes examination and sometimes scans of blood vessels.

During and after the surgery

Operations can take many hours under general anaesthesia. The transferred tissue is monitored closely for the first few days.

Risks

Risks include failure of the transferred tissue, infection, bleeding and problems at the donor site.

At KIH

KIH's plastic surgery team can assess complex wounds and reconstruction needs and arrange specialised surgery when needed.