1457 years of microsurgical experience

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive Microsurgery
• Surgical Practices
• Medical Surveys

Background:

• Microsurgery is an evolving surgical specialty.
• Understanding current practices is crucial for standardization and advancement.
• The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery represents leading experts in the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document contemporary microsurgical techniques and practices.
• To gather data on the experience and success rates of microsurgeons.
• To establish a baseline for future research and development in reconstructive microsurgery.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 319 members of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery.
• A response rate of 33% (106 members) was achieved.
• Data collected covered free-tissue transfers, extremity replants, pharmacologic adjuvant therapy, monitoring techniques, flap types, and success rates from 1990-1994.

Main Results:

• The survey aggregated data from 10,839 free-tissue transfers and 3,487 digital and extremity replants.
• Analysis focused on variations in pharmacologic adjuvant therapy, monitoring methods, and flap selection.
• Reported success rates for various microsurgical procedures were documented.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a snapshot of microsurgical practices during the mid-1990s.
• The data highlight the diversity of techniques employed by reconstructive microsurgeons.
• This information serves as a foundation for understanding the evolution of microsurgical procedures and outcomes.