Endoscopy and Microsurgery

Endoscopic microsurgery is a developing technique in plastic surgery. There are many advantages over traditional methods: improved access to difficult and hidden areas, better mobility, one optical instrument for endoscopic dissection and the microsurgical part, reduced overall costs, and a possibility to develop new procedures supported by the use of the endoscope. In the first volume of the series "Update in Plastic Surgery” internationally acknowledged experts give an up-to-date view of the clinical possibilities in plastic surgery which result from video-assisted microsurgery with the endoscope. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed, and reasons are presented why it can be assumed that this technique will be the standard in plastic surgery within a few years.

The History of Endoscopy in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery up to Video Assisted Microsurgery.- The Current Status of Endoscopy in Microsurgery of the Peripheral Vessels and Nerves.- Teaching and Training in Endoscopic Microsurgery.- Differences in Microsurgical Techniques Between the Microscope and II the Endoscope — A Practical Instruction of 5 Years Experience.- Anatomical Considerations in Respect to an Open or an Endoscopic Approach to the Carpal Tunnel.- The Two Portal Technique of Decompression of the Median Nerve.- The One Portal Technique for Decompression of the Median Nerve.- Endoscopic Versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release: Setup of a Prospective Randomised Study.- The Endoscopic Decompression of the Ulnar Nerve-Technique and Indication.- Prevention of Unpleasant Scars in the Face by an Endoscopic Approach for Reconstruction in the Paralysed Face.- On the Indication for Endoscopic Harvesting of Nerve Grafts.- Video-Assisted Application of “Epineurial” Electrodes for Functional Electrical Stimulation.- Experimental Basis for Endoscopic Harvesting of Tissues.- Endoscopic Harvesting of Free Muscle Flaps.- Clinical Reconstructions with Endoscopic Harvested Flaps -Variations of 5 Years Experience with the Latissimus Dorsi and Rectus Abdominis Muscle.- Development of 3-D Endoscopy for Microsurgery.- The Beginning of Robotic Reconstructive Microsurgery.