Definition of Microsurgery

Microsurgery: Surgery through a microscope. Microsurgery is used to operate on very small structures, often requires miniaturized instruments, and has myriad uses.

Microsurgery is used to reattach a severed hand or another amputated part to the body by reconnecting the small blood vessels and restoring the circulation before the tissue starts to die. See also: Replantation.

A thumb may also be reconstructed by microsurgery using a segment of the big toe. Or a tiny salivary gland from under the lower jaw may be transferred microsurgically to the eyelid to remedy dry eye (xerophthalmia). Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
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Last Editorial Review: 3/28/2004