The history of microsurgery.

The science of microsurgery is briefly reviewed in an historical context. Microsurgery is less than 100 years old. Its first use was in ophthalamic surgery around 1887 using a monocular microscope. In later years the monocular scope was replaced by the Zeiss binocular microscope. Microsurgery in gynecology however dates back only about a decade. In 1967 the first published report of microsurgery for gynecology was published. It was not until 1977 that an international symposium was held concerning the use of microscopic techniques in fallopian tube repair. Historical moments associated with the more extensive use of microsurgery found today are briefly mentioned and include introductions of new equipment and technique refinements. Today microsurgery finds limited use in salpingolysis salpingostomy and tubal implantation. Its most useful role is in improving reanastomosis results. It is emphasized that microsurgery is not a new set of techniques but rather an adaptation of older surgical techniques which requires greater discipline in the operating room and extreme gentleness and accurate tissue handling.