[The reconstructive sequence in the 21st century. A reconstructive clockwork].

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Mathes and Nahai introduced the conventional reconstructive ladder in 1982 to address tissue defects starting with primary and secondary closure of wounds followed by autologous skin grafting. Regional and local pedicled flaps, tissue expansion and free tissue transfer were further steps. Despite enormous achievements and refinements in these techniques, clinical situations and problems occur beyond the scope of these conventional reconstructive measures. Composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) of partial faces or of unilateral or bilateral forearms and upper arms, are a novel part of transplantation medicine. The initially reported clinical results are encouraging, especially in light of the initial clinical reports of organ transplantation. However, short and long term problems such as potential tumor induction by immunosuppression and chronic rejection must be taken into consideration. Given the fact that patients receiving CTA have already undergone various reconstructive procedures before, patients often gain tremendous improvement in the quality of life. Robots such as the Da Vinci system for surgeons and the Penelope assistant robot have found their way into the surgical routine. While even microsurgical anastomosis has been accomplished using the Da Vinci system, the total amount of time and resources spent is beyond being practical at present. Regeneration and tissu

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.