Microvascular Surgery in Private Practice

ABSTRACT

Microvascular surgery has become an important part of the modern plastic surgeon's armamentarium for treating large tissue defects and complex wounds. Microvascular surgical techniques are a significant part of the training of plastic surgical residents, but most graduates pursue opportunities in private practice rather than academics. Complex microvascular surgery is commonly performed in large academic training centers, but is it feasible to pursue these types of cases in the private practice setting? This article outlines the basic requirements and organization necessary to embark upon and maintain the performance of microvascular surgical cases in private practice. Issues such as hospital equipment, support personnel, postoperative monitoring, and coding are addressed in detail.

KEYWORDS

Microsurgery - plastic surgery - surgical flaps - private practice - reconstructive surgical procedures

REFERENCES

• 1 Serletti J M, Deuber M A, Guidera P M. Comparison of the operating microscope and loupes for free microvascular tissue transfer.  Plast Reconstr Surg . 1995;  95(2) 270-276
• 2 Shenaq S M, Klebue M J, Vargo D. Free-tissue transfer with the aid of loupe magnification: experience with 251 procedures.  Plast Reconstr Surg . 1995;  95(2) 261-269
• 3 Raine T. Microvascular techniques. In: Jurkiewicz MJ et al., eds. Plastic Surgery: Principles and Practice St. Louis, MO: CV Mosby 1990: 1573-1591
• 4 Yuen J C, Feng Z. Monitoring free flaps using the laser Doppler flowmeter: five-year experience.  Plast Reconstr Surg . 2000;  105(1) 55-61
• 5 Current Procedural Terminology 2002. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association; 2002. 
• 6 Wade J W, Stephens J A, Bragham R F, Carbo J D. Microsurgery in private practice: is it feasible economically?.  Ann Plast Surg . 2001;  46(3) 255-259