Pediatric microsurgery: revascularization and replantation

Pediatric microvascular surgery has received little attention in the literature until recently. The demonstrated feasibility with successful results represents a disproportionately small patient population when compared with adults. One reason for this delayed growth in pediatric revascularization and replantation appears to be a lack of awareness on the part of both referring physicians and microvascular surgeons as to its present indications and outcome. Several cases are presented along with a review of the current literature to clarify this issue. A protocol for managing these patients from a triage standpoint is also included.