Microvascular reconstruction is a complex surgical procedure that involves the transplantation of tissue, along with its blood vessels, from one part of the body to another to restore form and function in areas affected by trauma, cancer, or congenital defects. This procedure is performed using microsurgical techniques to connect tiny blood vessels, typically less than a few millimeters in diameter, under a high-powered microscope. Microvascular reconstruction is often used in head, neck, breast, or limb reconstruction after tumor removal, trauma, or other surgeries where large amounts of tissue are missing or damaged. The primary causes for microvascular reconstruction include the need to reconstruct significant tissue loss due to cancer resections (such as after removing tumors in the oral cavity, jaw, or breast), traumatic injuries resulting in soft tissue and bone damage, and congenital deformities. The procedure allows for the transfer of skin, muscle, bone, or fat tissue (often called free flaps) to the affected area, helping to restore both aesthetic appearance and functionality. Complications from microvascular reconstruction can include flap failure due to insufficient blood flow, which may occur if the reconnected blood vessels do not heal properly. Other risks include infection, bleeding, and blood clots that can compromise the viability of the transplanted tissue. Long-term complications might involve scarring, delayed healing, or functional limitations depending on the complexity of the surgery. Despite these risks, microvascular reconstruction is an essential technique in modern reconstructive surgery, offering significant improvements in quality of life by restoring critical structures and function.
