Advances in Reconstructive Microsurgery: Bridging Technology, Biology, And Clinical Translation

Reconstructive microsurgery has evolved from a highly specialised surgical discipline focused on microvascular tissue transfer into a multidisciplinary field integrating advances in surgery, regenerative medicine, bioengineering, neuroscience, and digital technologies to restore both form and function in patients with complex defects. Over the past several decades, innovations in perforator flap surgery, supermicrosurgery, lymphatic reconstruction, peripheral nerve repair, and functional tissue transfer have expanded reconstructive possibilities while improving outcomes and reducing donor-site morbidity. Emerging technologies, including robotic-assisted microsurgery, artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced imaging modalities, fluorescence-guided surgery, augmented reality, and computer-assisted surgical planning, are transforming surgical decision-making and operative precision. Progress in regenerative microsurgery, tissue engineering, stem cell therapies, biomaterials, and vascularised tissue constructs continues to create new opportunities for tissue restoration, while advances in vascularised composite allotransplantation are redefining the reconstruction of complex anatomical structures. As the field advances rapidly, there is a growing need to disseminate high-quality clinical, translational, and technological research to further improve patient outcomes.



This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive platform for innovative research, evidence synthesis, technical developments, and expert perspectives across the full spectrum of reconstructive microsurgery, highlighting current achievements and future directions in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.



This Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Perspective, Brief Research Report, and Opinion articles addressing all aspects of reconstructive microsurgery. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:



Free tissue transfer and perforator flap reconstruction, including advances in flap design, perforator mapping, donor-site optimisation, and complex defect reconstruction

Supermicrosurgery and lymphatic surgery, including lymphatic reconstruction and novel approaches to the treatment and prevention of lymphoedema

Peripheral nerve reconstruction and repair, including nerve grafting, nerve transfers, conduit technologies, neurotisation techniques, targeted muscle reinnervation, sensory restoration, and functional muscle transfer

Technology integration in surgical practice, including robotic-assisted microsurgery, computer-assisted procedures, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, flap monitoring systems, and digital decision-support tools

Vascularised composite allotransplantation, including hand and facial transplantation, immunomodulation, graft preservation, and long-term outcomes

Regenerative microsurgery and tissue engineering, including studies on biomaterials, bioengineered tissues, vascularised constructs, and regenerative strategies to enhance tissue repair and functional restoration

Advanced imaging and intraoperative technologies, including fluorescence-guided surgery, navigation systems, augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality technologies that improve surgical planning, intraoperative guidance, and precision reconstruction

Microsurgical education, training, and quality improvement, including simulation, competency assessment, patient-reported outcomes, and initiatives that advance clinical practice and patient care

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: reconstructive microsurgery, free flap reconstruction, peripheral nerve repair, microvascular surgery, supermicrosurgery

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.