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Open research questions in Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques

67 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 747 Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • There is a need for effective techniques for mandibular reconstruction in patients with osteoradionecrosis. Prior techniques have limitations, especially in these patients.

    RECONSTRUÇÃO MANDIBULAR COM RETALHO LIVRE DE FÍBULA: RELATO DE CASO · 2026 · DOI

  • Identifying evidence gaps in reconstructive microsurgery; Analyzing the citation trends and research priorities in the field; Addressing the geographic concentration of contributions.

    The Top 100 Most Cited Articles in Reconstructive Microsurgery: Identifying Evidence Gaps and Research Trends for Future Investigation — A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • Achieving optimal oral competence and aesthetic outcomes remains a challenge. Reconstruction of lower-lip defects following oncologic resection requires restoration of both aesthetics and oral competence. Larger full-thickness defects may be associated with inadequate commissural support and reduced oral competence.

    Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes of Lower-Lip Reconstruction Using Bilateral Nasolabial Flaps with an Interposed Fascia Lata Sling for Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report · 2026 · DOI

  • Infectious skin and soft-tissue defects are clinically prevalent. The management of these defects poses numerous challenges. The safe boundary of the MSAP flap is limited.

    Anatomical study of the medial sural artery perforator flap and its application in the reconstruction of infected defects · 2026 · DOI

  • Prior studies have focused on conservative management of stage I and II pressure injuries. There is a lack of research on the predictive value of SII and PNI for postoperative flap-related complications in patients with stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ pressure injuries.

    Predictive Value of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Combined With the Prognostic Nutritional Index for Flap-Related Complications Following Flap Repair in Patients With Stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ Pressure Injuries · 2026 · DOI

  • Complex anatomy of the knee joint. Limited local tissue availability. Functional demands of the knee joint.

    Outcome of Superior Lateral Genicular Artery Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Defects Around Knee Joint, in DMCH, Bangladesh · 2026 · DOI

  • Restricted shoulder joint mobility. High risk of recurrence. Limited treatment options.

    Surgical outcomes of circumflex scapular artery perforator flap in management of post-burn axillary contracture scars · 2026 · DOI

  • Exposed bone, tendon, and joint. Limited capacity of local skin flaps. Difficulty in finding a reliable and easy flap choice.

    Venous flaps to repaır the soft tıssue defects of the hand · 2026 · DOI

  • Introduction: Circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy (CPL) may result in extensive posterior pharyngeal defects for which standard reconstructive strategies are insufficient.

    Chimeric thoracodorsal free flap reconstruction for extended circumferential pharyngo-laryngectomy: A case report · 2026 · DOI

  • Secondly, the form and dose of nitroglycerin administered, as well as the inter- val between administration and CTA image acquisition, were not explored in depth.

    Advantages of nitroglycerin application in preoperative CTA for DIEP flap breast reconstruction · 2026 · DOI

  • Percutaneous approaches may be unreliable due to severe tortuosity and sharp angulation near the cranial entry point. There is a need for a technique that provides stable catheter control and minimizes the risk of complications.

    Open Straightening and Direct Puncture of the Superficial Temporal Artery for Tumor Embolization via Transosseous Feeders · 2026 · DOI

  • In meningioma embolization requiring reliable use of transosseous feeders, open STA straightening with direct puncture using a wedged PIVC provides secure passage across the cranial entry point and stable catheter control when percutaneous approaches are insufficient, and may be valuable in carefully selected cases.

    Open Straightening and Direct Puncture of the Superficial Temporal Artery for Tumor Embolization via Transosseous Feeders · 2026 · DOI

  • The study used a limited number of cadavers (seven). The data were derived from cadaveric specimens, which may not perfectly represent living tissues. Access to the full raw dataset is restricted due to ethical considerations.

    Topographical analysis of arterial perforators in the face: A cadaveric study · 2026 · DOI

  • Comprehensive anatomical data on arterial perforators in the face are limited. There is a need to investigate the number, diameter, and topographic distribution of arterial perforators in the face.

    Topographical analysis of arterial perforators in the face: A cadaveric study · 2026 · DOI

  • The reconstruction of full thickness cheek defects requires providing bulk and cover for both cheek skin and oral mucosa. The lack of resources and expertise in certain settings limits the use of free flaps, making pedicled flaps a practical alternative. The bipaddled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has specific challenges, including difficulty in flap harvesting in women and the risk of complications.

    Reconstruction of Full Thickness Cheek Defects After Resection of Oral Malignancies in Resource Challenged Settings : Our Experience with Bipaddled Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of studies on the use of the bipaddled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in reconstructing full thickness cheek defects in resource-challenged settings. The need for more prospective studies to confirm the findings and evaluate the long-term outcomes.

    Reconstruction of Full Thickness Cheek Defects After Resection of Oral Malignancies in Resource Challenged Settings : Our Experience with Bipaddled Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need to compare the outcomes of fibular and scapular osseous flaps in cervicofacial reconstruction. The effectiveness of the scapular flap as a reconstructive alternative is unknown. The factors influencing donor-site morbidity and patient-reported outcomes are not well understood.

    Clinical outcomes of fibular and scapular free osseous flaps in head and neck reconstruction: a retrospective comparative study · 2026 · DOI

  • PURPOSE: Racial and ethnic disparities in surgical outcomes following head and neck cancer (HNC) reconstruction are well documented, but their impact on appearance-related, psychological, and functional distress remains unclear.

    Impact Of Race And Ethnicity On Patient-reported Outcomes In Head And Neck Cancer Reconstruction · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for effective reconstructive options for knee defects. The existing literature on reconstructive options for knee defects has several limitations.

    Outcome of Superior Lateral Genicular Artery Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Defects Around Knee Joint, in DMCH, Bangladesh · 2026 · DOI

  • Abstract Background Reconstruction of short mandibular defects (< 2 cm) remains controversial, as these defects lie within a clinical “gray zone” between spontaneous healing and the need for surgical intervention.

    Sliding osteotomy for reconstruction of short post-gunshot mandibular defects < 2 cm: a prospective case series and narrative literature review · 2026 · DOI

  • Previous studies have focused on implant-associated complications and local recurrences, but have not reported on other potentially life-threatening adverse events. There is a need for a comprehensive analysis of complications following PI to PIII pelvic resections for intermediate and malignant tumors.

    Complications of PI to PIII hemipelvic resections for intermediate and malignant tumours · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigating the application of supermicrosurgery in lymphatic reconstruction; Exploring the use of emerging technologies in reconstructive microsurgery; Conducting more Level I studies to address evidence gaps.

    The Top 100 Most Cited Articles in Reconstructive Microsurgery: Identifying Evidence Gaps and Research Trends for Future Investigation — A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • The study had a small sample size of 15 patients. The study did not include a control group for comparison. The follow-up period was limited to 3 months.

    Surgical outcomes of circumflex scapular artery perforator flap in management of post-burn axillary contracture scars · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for effective reconstructive options for facial defects after skin cancer excision. The study aims to address this gap by evaluating the use of local flaps.

    Local flaps in facial skin cancer reconstruction: functional and aesthetic outcomes · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for effective reconstructive techniques for axillary defects after HS excision. The current treatment options for HS have limitations, and there is a need for reliable and effective reconstructive options.

    Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap Reconstruction for Axillary Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Case Report and Literature Review · 2026 · DOI

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67 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 747 Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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