Reconstructive microvascular surgery is now in its teens. At first many thought this new child was a whim and would fail to thrive. Some were un certain, others with vision either supported or became actively involved in this new area of surgical endeavour. Although initial interest was focused on the replantation of amputated parts, it has been the one stage free trans fer of living tissue to a distant site which has launched microsurgery into the surgical spotlight. From its humble beginnings we have witnessed a revolution in this branch of plastic surgery; many of the long established methods of recon struction have, like barricades, fallen before the advances made in this field. In its infancy there were relatively few procedures available. There was a tendency to make the patient's problem fit the operation, rather than the reverse, and this frequently led to an inferior result. The then known flaps, such as the groin flap and the deltopectoral flap, were employed. Unfortunately they were sites which posed many technical problems; namely those of vascular anomaly, a short pedicle and vessels of small cal ibre. Long operations were the norm, and vascular thrombosis was not un common. Hospital routine often was disrupted and there was a danger that these new techniques would fall into disrepute. Over the last decade this state of affairs has changed dramatically.

- Clearly illustrated with over 112 color illustrations to show all aspects of surgeries.

For many years, the operative manipulation of the most minute struc tures was frustrated by the limitations of the human eye. With the introduction of the operating microscope by Nylen (1921), fine detailed anatomy was made visible, so that structures could be prepared, pre sented and manipulated. Nylen used the microscope for treating dis eases of the middle ear. In 1946 Perrit in the U.S.A. introduced the operating microscope into the field of ophthalmic surgery. In 1964, Smith, Kunze and Mitchen published reports on their clinical experi ence using the operating microscope in nerve surgery. Using this tech nique, it was possible to divide a peripheral nerve into individual fascicle bundles and reapir each bundle precisely. Following on from these developments, the term" microsurgery" was introduced to cover that branch of surgery which was carried out using the" equiped" eye - either by using 10upe spectacle magnifica tion or, more commonly, the operating microscope. The term "micro vascular surgery" developed for the operative treatment of small ves sels below 2 mm in diameter. Experimental studies for the use of microsurgery in the clinical situation developed alongside its use on small research animals for transplantation models in immunological study. Microsurgical techniques were used in the transplantation of rat liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart and other organs. The clinical appli cation of these microsurgical techniques is nowadays called "recon structive microvascular surgery."

Microvascular reconstruction is a surgical procedure that involves moving a composite piece of tissue from another part of the body to the head and neck. The tissue most commonly comes from the arms, legs, or back, and can include bone, skin, fat, and/or muscle. The details of what is moved and where it is moved from are dependent on the reconstructive needs. Transfer of the tissue to the head and neck allows us to do things such as rebuild a jaw, optimize tongue function, or reconstruct the throat. This technique has opened numerous possibilities for single stage reconstruction of complex deformities of the cranio-maxillofacial region. Newer technique will undoubtedly further advance the reconstruction options of the surgeons, perhaps simplify the sometimes difficult procedures or allowing more refinement in the everlasting pursuit of perfect form and function. Surgery and Creativity must continue to form a close alliance to further refine the art and science of reconstruction of cranio-maxillofacial region.

Ablative tumor surgery of the head and neck region often results in severe cosmetic and functional deformities. In these cases, microvascular free-tissue transfer enables three-dimensional reconstruction of head and neck defects. The selection of adequate donor tissue and a profound knowledge of the human anatomy and the various harvesting techniques are paramount in ensuring successful reconstruction. Reflecting current surgical approaches, this book presents the most frequently used flaps in head and neck surgery, including detailed overviews as well as their respective pearls and pitfalls. Moreover, each section contains a synopsis and pre-operative checklist. The overlay-technique merges high-quality-photographs with drawings and precisely illustrates the step-to-step descriptions of the different flap harvesting techniques, making this manual in pocket size an unique and accessible reference for both doctors in training and specialists in the field of otolaryngology, head and neck, plastic, maxillofacial and skull base surgery.

With coverage of nearly twice the number of flaps as the previous edition, Flaps and Reconstructive Surgery, 2nd Edition provides trainees and practicing surgeons alike with the detailed, expert knowledge required to ensure optimal outcomes. It includes chapters and expert commentaries from more than 100 authors and world-renowned leaders in the field, while brand-new cases and high-quality illustrations focused on flap harvest, markings, and reconstruction keep you abreast of today's latest developments. Includes high-quality illustrations of regional anatomy, flap anatomy, and step-by-step flap dissections, as well as clear photographs demonstrating successful reconstructions. Detailed case studies illustrate how to optimize every aspect of care for the reconstructive surgery patient, including the postoperative period and long-term follow-up. Brand-new section on reconstruction takes an algorithmic approach to the reconstruction of defects around the body. Features chapters covering the entire spectrum of reconstructive surgery, including head and neck reconstruction, chest wall reconstruction, abdominal wall, upper and lower extremity, and facial reanimation. Content focuses on both local and free flaps. New section on reconstructive transplant surgery highlights major topics such as face and hand transplantations, abdominal wall transplantation, uterus transplantation, and nerve allotransplantation.

Scalp and Forehead Reconstruction, Total Nasal Reconstruction, Lip Reconstruction, Mid Face and Maxilla, Orbital Exenteration, Maxillofacial Trauma, Lateral Temporal Bone Defects, Parotid Defects, Facial Transplantation, Massive Skin Cancers.