Reconstructive Surgery

What is Reconstructive Surgery?

Reconstructive surgery refers to any surgical procedure which restores or reshapes any part of the body in order to achieve an improved form or function. Although it may be categorized under plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery may be performed by any surgeons of any specialty. For example, otorhinolayngologists may reshape parts of the ear in order for the patient to hear better. Reconstructive surgery is closely related to cosmetic surgery. However, the procedures should not be confused with one another, since cosmetic surgery is performed solely to improve appearance and does not have to do anything with restoration of function.

What is Reconstructive Surgery used for?

Reconstructive surgery is used to correct any structural deformity due to any cause. Congenital malformations, traumatic injuries, burns, tumors, infections or diseases may cause abnormalities, all of which can be treated by reconstructive surgery. In the U.S., reconstructive surgery is most often used for tumor removal and reconstruction, hand surgery and breast reconstruction.

Who is a candidate for Reconstructive Surgery?

Reconstructive surgeries can be performed in any part of the body needing restoration of function and/or appearance.

In patients with massive burns, extensive scar formation results in an unsightly appearance. Additionally, contraction of the scars may cause the skin to have excessive tension. This causes contractures, which can cause additional deformities and other conditions. For example, contracture of the skin of the neck will impede head movement, which in turn can cause speech abnormalities, eating disorders and undue muscular strain. These contractures can be corrected by releasing the tension caused by the contractures and repairing the incision with skin grafts.

Cleft palate results from the failure of the palate to develop normally during the fetal stage. This disorder results in a generally unsightly appearance and is also associated with speech defects and recurrent respiratory infections. This can be corrected by implanting bone and skin grafts to restore normal form and function.

Hand injuries, whether due to trauma or any other cause, can cause significant disability in a patient. The hand is a delicate part of the body with numerous moving parts; damage to this area can cause abnormal function. Reconstructive surgery involving the hand includes repairing muscular or bony structures or ligaments in order for the hand to function normally once again.

The removal of large tumors or surgical treatment of cancers may cause large skin defects. One of the treatments for breast cancer involves the total removal of a breast. This procedure is called a mastectomy, and results in a large skin defect due to the loss of the breast. It is vital to repair this defect, which is why mastectomy is immediately followed by breast reconstruction surgery.

What are the precautions to Reconstructive Surgery?

The majority of reconstructive surgical procedures are performed under general anesthesia. As such, patients who have serious medical conditions have a higher perioperative risk and should be evaluated thoroughly before being subjected to reconstructive surgery. As with any type of major surgery, patients are also asked to avoid intake of medications which can affect blood clotting weeks before the scheduled procedure.

What are the risks?

One of the risks involved in reconstructive surgery is infection. Since most reconstructive surgeries involve large areas of the body, there is a greater chance for bacteria to set in and cause infection. Since this procedure may involve the use of skin grafts or flaps, there is always the danger that these grafts or flaps may not survive and cause nonhealing of the surgical wound. Full function might not be achieved in cases where there are large anatomical defects.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.