Imagine if a very small, invisible blood vessel or nerve in your body were to be cut in an accident, could it be reattached? Many people might think that it is impossible. But the answer is, "Yes, it is possible." That is what we call 'microsurgery' for such very delicate, complex surgeries. Let's talk about this simply today.
What is microsurgery?
Simply put, microsurgery is a special surgical technique that uses a very powerful operating microscope and very delicate instruments to repair or reconstruct very small parts of our body, such as blood vessels and nerves, which are smaller than a millimeter.
The main purpose of this is to restore function to a body part that has been lost due to an accident, cancer, or other cause. This surgery can be performed anywhere on the body.
What situations require microsurgery?
This method is considered in cases where normal surgical methods are not effective. There are several main cases where this is necessary. Let's see what they are.
| Situation | To explain with an example... |
|---|---|
| Physical Trauma | Limb preservation involves reattaching a part of a limb, such as a finger, hand, or leg, that has been completely severed due to a fall or other serious accident. This involves reconnecting very small blood vessels and nerves. |
| Due to Cancer | To fill the gap left by a cancerous tumor. This involves taking a flap of skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels from another healthy area of the body (e.g., the thigh, back) and transplanting it into the gap. This is called a 'free tissue transfer' . |
| Congenital Abnormalities | Some children may be born with deformities in certain body parts. This method is also used to correct such things. |
| Lymphatic System Repair | Lymphedema occurs after some cancer surgeries. This is caused by damage to the lymph vessels. Microsurgery is also used to repair these damaged, very fine lymph vessels. |
What is a 'flap'?
You may have come across the word 'flap' in the previous example. Simply put, a 'flap' is a piece of tissue that is taken from a specific part of your body, along with its own blood supply (blood vessels) . This piece of tissue can contain one or more things, such as skin, fat, or muscle. The surgeon then takes this piece of tissue, places it in the desired location, and reattaches it to the new blood vessels under a microscope. This allows the tissue to receive nourishment and survive.
What happens before surgery?
Before having this surgery, you will need to see a specialist surgeon (consultation). There,
- Your doctor will discuss your health and medical history thoroughly.
- They will discuss what you expect from the surgery.
- Maybe they will take some photos to see the difference before and after the surgery.
- Most importantly, you will be clearly informed about the risks and possible side effects of this surgery.
- You will also be given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery and how to recover after the surgery.
This is the best time to ask your doctor about any questions, concerns, or doubts you may have. Don't keep anything to yourself.
What happens during surgery?
This surgery is done in a hospital. You are under general anesthesia. This means you don't feel any pain, you are asleep .
The way the surgery is performed varies depending on what is being done. For example, if we take the tissue transfer surgery we talked about earlier,
1. First, the surgeon carefully removes the necessary tissue (flap) from a healthy part of your body (donor site) along with its blood vessels.
2. Then, another incision is made and the area is prepared where the tissue is to be transplanted.
3. Finally, the removed tissue is brought back to its original location, and the tiny blood vessels in it are carefully transplanted under a microscope to the blood vessels in the new location.
4. Once everything is connected properly, the incisions are closed and stitches are applied. Some of these stitches may be dissolvable, or they may need to be cut later.
What happens after surgery?
After the surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days. During this time, the medical team will take good care of you.
- Especially if a tissue transplant has been performed, blood flow to the transplanted tissue will be monitored closely . The first 24 hours after surgery are very important for this.
- It can take several months to fully heal and see the true results of the surgery.
- You should definitely go to the clinics on the days the doctor tells you to see if your wounds are healing properly.
- You will not be able to drive, work, or go to school for a while after surgery.
What are the risks of microsurgery?
As with any surgery, there are some risks. Your doctor will explain these to you in advance.
| Risk/Complication | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Bleeding | Bleeding from the surgical site. |
| Infection | Germs entering wounds. |
| Tissue loss / Necrosis | If the blood supply to the transplanted tissue is cut off, the tissue can die. This is a very serious complication. |
| Numbness | Reduced or loss of sensation due to nerve damage in the surgical area. |
| Scarring | Scars remain after the cuts heal. |
| Asymmetrical healing | Especially in facial surgeries, both sides do not heal symmetrically. |
| Need for more surgeries | Sometimes, due to complications or to achieve the desired results, further surgeries may be necessary. |
When should I seek medical advice?
It is very important to know what to do if a problem arises when you go home after surgery.
| If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor. | |
|---|---|
| ⚫ | If there is severe pain or swelling at the surgical site. |
| ⚫ | If the wound is red and showing signs of infection, such as pus. |
| If you have these symptoms, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. | |
| 🔴 | If you have chest pain. |
| 🔴 | If the heartbeat becomes irregular. |
| 🔴 | If you have difficulty breathing. |
Microsurgery is truly a major advancement in medical science. As a result, it has become possible to cure many things that were previously thought to be incurable and restore lost functions.
Take-Home Message
- Microsurgery is a specialized surgical technique performed under a microscope to repair blood vessels and nerves that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
- It is mainly used for conditions such as severe accidents, reconstruction after cancer surgery, and birth defects.
- Because this is a very complex surgery, there are risks associated with it. Discuss all of this carefully with your doctor before the surgery.
- It may take several months to fully recover, and it is very important to follow medical instructions exactly.
- Be on the lookout for warning signs after surgery, such as signs of infection, severe pain, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical advice immediately if this occurs.
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