Endoscopy and Microsurgery

In this 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.

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 (P. Giovanoli, M. Frey) • The Current Status of Endoscopy in Microsurgery of the Peripheral Vessels and Nerves (M. Frey, R. Koller) • Teaching and Training in Endoscopic Microsurgery (R. Koller, P. Giovanoli, M. Frey) • Differences in Microsurgical Techniques Between the Microscope and the Endoscope - A Practical Instruction of 5 Years Experience (T. P. Szymula von Richter, M. Sawaizumui, Y. Iwahira, K. Onishi, Y. Maruyama) • Anatomical Considerations in Respect to an Open or an Endoscopic Approach to the Carpal Tunnel (E. Kremling, P. Hahn, U. Lanz) • The Two Portal Technique of Decompression of the Median Nerve (H. Krimmer, U. Lanz) • The One Portal Technique for Decompression of the Median Nerve (G. Meissl, G. Girsch) • Endoscopic Versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release: Setup of a Prospective Randomised Study (W. Girsch, M. Rab, K. F. Schrögendorfer, L.-P. Kamolz, T. Paternostro, G. Wagner, F. Schlemmer, H. Beck, R. Högler, O. Kandel, T. Pand, M. Frey) • The Endoscopic Decompression of the Ulnar Nerve-Technique and Indication (H. Gröner, E. Biemer) • Prevention of Unpleasant Scars in the Face by an Endoscopic Approach for Reconstruction in the Paralysed Face (M. Frey) • On the Indication for Endoscopic Harvesting of Nerve Grafts (R. Koller, P. Giovanoli, M. Frey) • Video-Assisted Application of "Epineurial" Electrodes for Functional Electrical Stimulation (W. Girsch, L.-P. Kamolz, H. Lanmüller, U. Windberger) • Experimental Basis for Endoscopic Harvesting of Tissues (T. P. Szymula von Richter, F. F. Eaves III, F. Nahai, J. Bostwick III, M. T. Chrysopoulo, D. Staffenberg, K. J. Williams, R. R. G. Baumeister, H. von Gregory, L. Porrozzi) • Endoscopic Harvesting of Free Muscle Flaps (R. Gröner, E. Biemer) • Clinical Reconstructions with Endoscopic Harvested Flaps - Variations of 5 Years Experience with the Latissimus Dorsi and Rectus Abdominis Muscle (T. P. Szymula von Richter, F. F. Eaves III, M. Sawaizumi) • Development of 3-D Endoscopy for Microsurgery (M. Frey, R. Koller, P. Giovanoli) • The Beginning of Robotic Reconstructive Microsurgery (T. P. Szymula von Richter, I. Niechajev, L. Porrozzi)