Classification of microvascular anastomosis in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction

Abstract

A reconstruction following a resection of malignant oral cavity tumors is one of the most difficult problems in recent oral oncology. For a better understanding of oral and maxillofacial reconstructive procedures, basic and advanced microvascular anastomosis techniques must be learned and memorized. The aim of this article was to clarify and define the microvascular anastomosis methods, such as primary closure after an arteriotomy, end to side anastomosis, end to end anastomosis, and side to side anastomosis with an artery and vein. This review article discusses the basic skills regarding microvascular anastomoses with brief schematic diagrams in the Korean language. This article is expected to be helpful, particularly to young doctors in the course of the Korean national board curriculum periods for oral and maxillofacial surgery.Key words: Arteriotomy, End to end anastomosis, End to side anastomosis, Side to side anastomosis, Microvascular anastomosis [paper submitted 2011. 4. 11 / revised 2011. 7. 20 / accepted 2011. 7. 25] Abstract (J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg 2011;37:312-20)