Chapter 47 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery is a surgical specialty that aims to restore form and function. Modern plastic surgery techniques enable clinicians to perform complex surgical procedures that would not have been previously possible, such as major oncological head and neck resections or skeletal fixation of open limb fractures with significant soft-tissue defects. Skin is the largest end organ, covering the body’s entire external surface. Together with its derivatives, including hair, nails and sweat glands, it forms the integumentary system. The skin serves a number of functions that are critical for survival. Cutaneous nerves tend to run axially out of the major nerve trunks but are less defined than most perforating blood vessels. It is possible to coapt nerve ends between a cutaneous nerve within a flap and one at the recipient site, so-called ‘neurotisation’, to regain some sensation in the flap.

Multiple Choice Questions
Weblinks

Websites

https://www.microsurgeon.org/

A useful free online atlas of microsurgery techniques, including numerous webinars that cover a broad range of reconstructive topics.

https://www.bapras.org.uk/

The official website of the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). This provides useful information about the history of plastic surgery, contemporary clinical guidelines and standards, as well as training and learning opportunities.

https://www.plarecon.com/webinars/

A free online plastic surgery resource that provides links to major global webinar series with up-to-date presentations on a broad range of reconstructive plastic surgical topics.

https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/plastic-reconstructive-and-aesthetic-surgery/

e-LPRAS is a peer-reviewed e-learning resource developed by BAPRAS in partnership with Health Education England. It supports the training programme for plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery and is aimed at plastic surgery trainees. Access is available free of charge to all clinicians in the UK NHS and full members of BAPRAS.

http://www.dressings.org/dressings-datacards-by-alpha.html

Do you know your Jelonet from your Duoderm? This website provides datacards for every conceivable commonly available dressing, including indications, contraindications and how to use them.

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