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Microvascular Reconstruction in Bhubaneswar

Microvascular Reconstruction

Microvascular Reconstruction in Bhubaneswar

Microvascular Reconstruction surgery includes rebuilding or reconstructing the various complex defects. These defects are predominantly in the head and neck region and generally occur after tumour removal. The procedure involves using the tissue from a healthy site and its blood supply to restore the defective regions' shape and function. 

Before the surgery:

  • The overall medical status of the patient is assessed with the help of certain lab tests, which are included in a surgical profile. 

During the surgery:

  • The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. 

  • The surgery can last for a few hours, depending on various factors. 

  • The tissue is collected from the donor site and implanted in the defective region to reconnect the blood vessels and restore the blood supply.

After the surgery:

  • Soon after the surgery, you will be given pain medications (IV).

  • You may have a Foley catheter to determine the quantity of urine that is being passed after the surgery.

  • Depending on the recovery, interventional management is done before getting discharged.

  • It is necessary to understand all the precautions for wound dressing for a better recovery.

Consult our expert medical oncologists to learn more about Microvascular Reconstruction in Bhubaneswar.

Explore advanced microvascular reconstruction surgery in Bhubaneswar at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert surgeons offer innovative techniques for optimal outcomes. Learn more about microvascular reconstruction surgery today.

FAQ's

Microvascular Reconstruction is a surgery that helps in reconstructing complex head and neck defects after the removal of cancer in that region. This utilises tissues from various sites and the blood supply in the body to reconstruct the missing part. This process helps to improve the patient's appearance and restore their functions.
 

The following are the conditions that require Microvascular Reconstruction:

  • Facial paralysis

  • Defects in the face and neck region

  • Defects of the jaw bone

  • Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers

  • Cancer of the oral cavity

  • Skin cancers

  • Tumours of the salivary glands

  • A part of the tissue is taken from certain regions of the body, like the skin, muscles, or bones.

  • The tissue is then transplanted along with the arteries and veins.

  • The site from which the tissue is obtained is carefully closed.

  • The transplanted tissue then helps to restore the function and form of the head and neck region.

  • There is no chance for the body to reject the transplanted tissue, as it is taken from one's own body.

  • The surgical team plans out the surgery. They may also make use of 3D modelling to plan the surgery. 

  • The region to be reconstructed is identified accurately.

  • The donor site that works best for reconstruction is chosen.

  • The surgical process is clearly explained, along with the various risks and benefits involved.

  • During the surgical process, the tissue section selected as the donor site is removed. It is mostly the regions around the arms, shoulders, or legs.

  • After obtaining the tissue, the donor site is closed by suturing or through skin grafts.

  • The blood vessels of the transplanted tissue are attached to the blood vessels in the neck. This facilitates the blood supply to the transplanted tissue.

  • The tissue is then secured. 

  • Supposedly, a bone transfer is required; the existing bone is fixed to the donor bone with the help of titanium plates.

  • This process requires a ten-day hospital stay after the surgery, which will allow the health care professional to address the recovery process.

There are various Microvascular Reconstructive techniques to obtain the best result. These are:

  • Anterolateral thigh flap: A flap is collected from the front part of the thigh to reconstruct the areas of the mouth, cheek, or tongue.

  • Fibular flap: A portion of the calf bone is obtained to replace the missing part of the jaw.

  • Forearm flap: The donor tissue is collected from the forearm without affecting the functioning of the hand. This is used to reconstruct the face or mouth. 

  • Scapular flap: A small part of the bone tissue, along with its blood vessels, is collected from the shoulder region.

  • The patient is generally sent home after 10 days of surgery with a clean and dressed wound. 

  • The procedure to clean and dress the donor site is taught at the hospital, and following all the instructions properly is essential for caring for the wound.

  • Certain exercises are suggested to facilitate the movements. 

  • With the utmost precautions, one can have a full chance of recovery.

There are many benefits to a successful Microvascular Reconstructive surgery, including:

  • The surgery gives a natural-looking result.

  • There are increased chances of functional revival, like chewing, speaking, and swallowing, compared to other options.

  • This surgery is beneficial for patients who require the removal of major cancers in the face, throat, and mouth.

Microvascular Reconstructive surgeries are complex procedures and take long hours to recover. The following are the possible risks associated with this surgery:

  • Failure of the flap: There are chances for the reconstructed tissue to perish if there is a problem with the blood supply.

  • Infection: Every surgery deals with the risk of probable infections, and antibiotics are administered to manage these infections.

  • Blood clot: The blood clots can form in the reattached vein or artery, which requires blood thinners to treat.

  • Poor healing: Regular wound dressings should be done to facilitate the early healing process. 

  • Difficulty in walking: A fibular flap surgery can lead to difficulty in walking, which can subside in some days. In a few cases, there can also be numbness in the foot region.

  • Long-term weakness: There can be a decreased range of motion in the shoulders, and this is usually a rare complication of the scapular flap surgery.