Microsurgical reconstruction for face resuscitation
Microsurgical reconstruction of blood vessels, bones, and soft tissues has become possible thanks to the development of X-ray multislice computed tomography with multidimensional images. The latest microsurgical methods, instruments, optical devices, 3D-dimensional computer navigation, and laser therapy allow you to restore skin, muscles, and bones. Ultrasonic technologies help to see volumetric color images of the smallest vessels and nerve fibers on the monitor screen.
Why is reconstruction needed?
Microsurgical reconstruction of blood vessels, muscles, skin, and bones is used to diagnose various diseases and maintain the vital functions of damaged organs. This method allows the restoration of amputated limbs, blood vessels, and nerve endings. Blood vessels thinner than human hair stitched together.
Extensive skin restored. For example, with a burn or skin cancer on the face and other parts of the body (forearm or back). Microsurgical reconstruction helps restore severed fingers, hands, muscles, brain bones, nerves, etc., injured due to traffic accidents and terrorist attacks. With this method, amputation can be avoided, and sometimes life can be saved. The most delicate titanium meshes used to reconstruct the bones of the skull. Impaired blood supply to the bone and soft tissues effectively restored.
Microsurgical reconstruction provides the following types of assistance:
- removes congenital disabilities of arteries, jaw, ears, eyelids, soft tissues, etc.
- restoration of orbital damage
- reconstruction of the pharynx
- reconstruction of the breast
- repair of the lip
- regeneration of damaged tendons
- regeneration of damaged nerves
- skin reconstruction
- nose reconstruction
- hand reconstruction
- reconstruction feet
- scalp reconstruction
- repair of heart valves and blood vessels
- regeneration of the maxillofacial area
- reconstruction of the neck
- reconstruction of the cheeks
- rehabilitation of the tongue, etc.
How is the reconstruction carried out?
Microsurgical reconstruction of blood vessels, bones, and soft tissues usually performed under general anesthesia. The microsurgical operation carried out in several stages:
- The stage of wound resection (defect site) and metric preparation of a healthy skin flap.
- The step of closing the damaged area (bone, tissue, vessel, nerve). Formation of a unique flap. Its transfer to the place of the defect.
- Stage of detection of blood vessels to restore the continuity of arteries, crafts, and nerves. The imposition of anastomoses and microvascular sutures of nerves to restore sensitivity and motor function. Normalization of blood outflow.
- The last stage is aesthetic reconstruction. Suturing the wound and flap edges with a microsurgical suture.
The duration of a microsurgical operation depends on the complexity of the task at hand. On average, the surgery takes 2.5 to 8 hours.
They can be discharged from the hospital in a week or two, depending on the size and type of surgery and the patient’s general physical condition after surgery. The postoperative phase is long and complicated, not only for the patient but also for the staff. The patient needs intensive follow-up after reconstruction to find out as soon as possible if the operation was successful if the blood vessel is regularly working.