Definition:

Microsurgery is a surgical discipline that combines magnification with advanced diploscopes, specialized precision tools and various operating techniques. These techniques are primarily used to anastomose small blood vessels (arteries and veins) and to coapt nerves. Microvascular and microneural coaptation allow for complex repair of human tissue after trauma, cancer and congenital deficiencies. Two of the main purposes of microsurgery are to transplant tissue from one part of the body to another and to reattach amputated parts. It is incorrect to state that microsugery is simply a general term for surgery requiring an operating microscope. This loose definition does not convey the breadth and complexity of the specialty. Yes, microsurgeons use microscopes, but that is a small part of what the specialty addresses. In fact, microsurgery encompasses much, much more than this simple definition. The procedures themselves are a mixture of surgical science and art and take many years of training to become proficient.

Microsurgery helps to heal wounds, restore function after trauma, and restore form after cancer. It can assist in the recovery and healing of a wide array of medical issues, from emergency amputations to reconstoration of the human breast.

The microscope:

The microscope itself has two binocular viewing fields (a diploscope). This allows a surgeon and assistant to perform surgical techniques under magnification from 4 to 40 times power. This allows visualization of small structures, such as arteries, veins, nerves and lymphatics. Visualization of these structures allows them to be surgically manipulated, enabling the microsurgeon to:

Reattach amputated body parts (replantation)

Transplant tissue from one part of the body to another (microvascular transplantation)

Repair nerves

Repair blood vessels

Manage complex soft tissue and bone infections