Current Status and Future of Reconstructive Surgery: Development of Novel and Artificial Flaps

Abstract

Recent advances in reconstructive surgery, such as microvascular free flap transfer, have contributed to the development of other surgical specialties to achieve improved performance of surgery. Although microvascular free flap transfer is one of the most frequently used methods, it has several limitations and shortcomings, such as donor-site morbidity and insufficient flap function. We refined conventional methods of free flap transfer and developed various types of novel flaps to overcome these shortcomings. However, although many technical refinements are being developed, the restoration of complex organs to their original status remains difficult. We believe that there are two solutions for reconstruction of complex organs: 1) vascularized composite allotransplantation and 2) artificial flaps using regenerative medicine. In this article, we aimed to present the current status of reconstructive surgery and discuss its future.