[Microvascular and microneural repair: technique and results (author's transl)].

Microsurgical technique permits repair of arteries and veins of a diameter of 0.5-2 mm. The success rate rose to 80-90% because of the frequent use of vascular grafts. This led to a high success rate in replantation of amputated parts. But repair of digital vessels is indicated even if the basal circulation is present to improve healing of other structures (tendons, nerves) and so to avoid late ischemic complaints. Free transfer of toes to replace digits in cases of multiple digital loss has its place in reconstructive hand surgery. It became possible because of the satisfactory return of sensibility after nerve repair. Microsurgery of peripheral nerves makes it possible to adapt the surgical technique to intraneural structures (mono-, oligo- or polyfascicular pattern with and without grouping). The results of nerve repair have been improved by the widespread use of nerve grafting. This is also true for cases that, in the past, were regarded as prejudicial to a useful recovery.