WHAT IS GENERAL TRAUMATIC RECONSTRUCTION?
General traumatic reconstruction refers to several plastic and reconstructive surgeries to rebuild parts of the body, including the skin, soft tissue, and bones. This service is critical, particularly in the event of trauma when a patient suffers from a traumatic injury or event.
Reconstructive surgery is done for the following reasons:
- Deep penetrative injuries such as lacerations occur because of deep cuts from sharp blades or other penetrative devices. Therefore, the skin may fold over or develop into an unnatural-looking flap. For this reason, reconstructive surgery may be considered in order to restore the normal, healthy appearance of the skin.
- Orthopaedic injuries arise from extensive injuries to the bone, soft tissue, ligaments, and tendons. Orthopaedic injuries typically occur from sudden falls, severe assaults, motor vehicle accidents, high-intensity sports, and impact from external forces.
- Soft tissue reconstruction aims to restore the health and function of the surrounding soft tissues. Certain soft tissue injuries can be classified according to the following:
1. Contusions
2. Sprains
3. Bursitis
4. Strains
5. Stress-related injuries
6. Tendonitis
However, these types of soft tissue injuries are minor and, in most cases, only require conservative treatment. In the event of reconstructive surgery, soft tissue reconstruction aims to repair severe, debilitating damage to the soft tissues.
HOW DO YOU PERFORM GENERAL TRAUMATIC RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY?
Reconstructive surgery is done to repair severely injured tissues such as nerves, arteries, veins, tendons, and bones to promote optimal healing. Wherever tissue is missing as a result of a serious infection or trauma, Dr Botha will transfer healthy tissue from other areas of the body. In some cases, additional surgical procedures are required to restore parts of the body that were once healthy. Dr Botha works within a multidisciplinary team, often with other doctors in various areas of specialisation. For example, she works alongside orthopaedic surgeons when injuries extend to the bones and soft tissues. As a result, the patient should have sufficient skin and soft tissue for the orthopaedic surgeon to replace or remove surgical rods and plates and artificial joints.
Dr Botha will discuss reconstructive options with you and your loved ones to help restore the body to what it once was.
FAQ
Are reconstructive surgeries considered inpatient or outpatient procedures?
This largely depends on the type of reconstructive surgery undergone, including the reason for having the procedure. For instance, in the event of areola and nipple reconstruction, surgeons perform the procedure as an outpatient surgery. However, more extensive surgeries are done as inpatient procedures.
How long is reconstructive surgery expected to take?
Reconstructive procedures can last several hours. However, minor operations can last within an hour. This, too, depends on the type of reconstructive surgery undergone.
What are the benefits of reconstructive surgery?
Reconstructive surgery restores a particular part of the body after an injury, disease, or severe infection.