PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY USING SUBCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPY

Abstract

Background: The majority of patients are discouraged from having reconstructive surgery because of the scar that it leaves behind. Subcutaneous endoscopic surgery is meant to resolve this problem; it can minimize the size and visibility of the scar as well as give better access to the performance of the surgery. This study is a case series where subcutaneous endoscopic methodology was employed to address the problems of reconstructive surgery. The single and two-port technique was used to simplify muscle harvesting in the procedure.

Methods: A 4 mm and 30-degree side viewing telescope, cold light source, sheath, and an optical camera were employed in the single port endoscopic technique. Post-operative pain, access to the incision, complications, and patient satisfaction were reviewed in the case records.

Result: In all the 201 surgeries performed endoscopically, only one of the complications was found during the procedure, which was transient nerve palsy, which was completely resolved later. One of the patients also reported post-operative pain, which was managed with minimal amounts of analgesic drugs. Intraoperative bleeding was reduced significantly compared to conventional reconstructive procedures. All the single-port endoscopic surgeries were successful, with high patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: High patient satisfaction and reduced scar visibility were reported when subcutaneous endoscopic surgeries were performed instead of conventional reconstructive surgeries.