Microsurgery
Op. Dr. Halil Işık, Göztepe Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital, Kadıköy.
Medical content: Op. Dr. Halil Işık · Last updated: 6 October 2026
Microsurgery uses an operating microscope to join small vessels and nerves. It enables free tissue transfer (free flaps) to reconstruct complex defects after trauma, tumour or infection.
Who it may be for
Patients with tissue loss that cannot be closed simply, limb-threatening wounds, or selected nerve injuries may need microsurgical reconstruction. Smoking, vessel disease and overall fitness affect success.
How the procedure is performed
A flap (skin, muscle, bone or combination) is harvested with its vessels, transferred to the defect and anastomosed under the microscope. The operation is long and requires intensive postoperative monitoring.
Recovery
Flap checks are frequent in the first days. Immobilisation of the reconstructed area, anticoagulation in selected cases and a hospital stay are expected. Rehabilitation follows.
Risks and consultation
Flap failure, thrombosis, bleeding, donor-site morbidity and prolonged recovery can occur. Success rates are high in experienced units but never absolute.
Frequently asked questions
- Is every reconstruction a free flap?
- No. Local flaps or grafts suffice for many defects. Microsurgery is reserved for complex loss.
- How long is the operation?
- Often many hours. The team and intensive care plan are arranged in advance.
- What if the flap fails?
- Urgent re-exploration is attempted. Alternative reconstruction may be needed if the flap cannot be salvaged.
- Will I need physiotherapy?
- Limb and some facial reconstructions usually need structured rehabilitation.
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This page is for general information. Your plan, if any, is decided after examination.
Contact the hospitalThis content is educational and does not replace a medical examination. Results vary. No outcome can be guaranteed.
