Plastic Surgery Utrecht
Research & Education
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a medical specialty focused on restoring the form and function of human anatomy. These can be impaired by congenital defects, but also acquired after cancer or trauma. Alongside the clinical work, the department is dedicated to advancing research within this field, all with the ultimate aim of enhancing patient care.
Our research encompasses various facets of plastic surgery, including reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, pediatric plastic surgery and safety.
The University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU) is one of the largest trauma centers in the Netherlands as well as a large cancer center. As a result, our department serves a diverse range of patients and collaborates with numerous departments both within and outside our hospital.
Besides the UMCU, our plastic surgeons also operate in the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ), the Princess Maxima Center (PMC), the Central Military Hospital (CMH) and the Alexander Monro Hospital (AMZ).
Our department actively engages in research across various aspects of Plastic Surgery. To achieve this, we work with various surgical and nonsurgical specialties within our hospital. Thereby, we collaborate with national and international (academic) institutions. Our website gives an overview of the diverse research initiatives within our department, our collaborative partnerships, as well as details on courses and conferences organized by our department.
About us
Lines of research
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News and announcements
Much remains unknown about congenital cleft lip and palate
Cleft palate is not a life-threatening condition, but the impact can be enormous for children and their parents. Hundreds of children are born with it every year. Often, several operations
Celebrating 75 Years of Our Department
This year marks a milestone for the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UMC Utrecht as it celebrates its 75th anniversary—a testament to its long-standing tradition of surgical expertise
Upper Extremity Course Fully Booked, Few Spots Left for Lower Extremity Session
After a successful first edition of the lower extremity nerve surgery course in 2023, we are excited to host the upcoming second edition in 2024! Due to its success, the
FESSH 2024: Set to Take Place in Rotterdam
We are delighted to extend an invitation to you for the 2024 FESSH (Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand) congress, to be hosted in the vibrant city
Overview
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Educational courses and conferences
Since the FESSH congress in May 2023, I have assumed the role of Secretary General. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of this organization. I feel not only honored but also humbled to have this position trusted to me to serve FESSH together with the Council and Asszisztencia in the coming years. It will be a challenge to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors, but I am determined to take up this responsibility and to build upon the foundation they have laid.
Over the last years, emphasis has been rightly placed on transparency, education, research, and social networking. These pillars have guided our actions and have paved the way for the remarkable progress we have achieved.
Dutch Peripheral Nerve Society (DPNS) Symposium
This five-day course is held at the Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University-Hospital, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany under the direction/instruction of Dr. Gustavo Pérez-Abadía, Assistant Professor of Physiology, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA. The course runs from 9:00AM to 4:00PM, Monday through Friday and trains a maximum of five trainees at a time. This course, initially conceived for beginner microsurgeons, is intensive and hands-on. However, the small class size makes the instruction flexible and thus equally valuable for those with previous training who want to make a new beginning in order to strengthen and upgrade their skills. The purpose of the course is “to lay the foundations of the principal skills that make up good microsurgical technique”.
These skills include:
- Comfort and peace-of-mind.
- Consistent use of proper hand position.
- Efficient use of microsurgical instruments and equipment, and
- A disciplined, step-by-step approach to the preparatory aspects of the surgical procedure.
This course is meant to learn about the technical aspects of cleft surgery focused on velopharyngeal insufficiency, such as buccal flaps, Hynes, and how to perform a suprazygomaticus block. Also the more challenging defects and their treatment options, such as the FAMM flap and tongue flap, will be practiced. Next to that, it’s also an opportunity for low key and open discussion about dilemmas in cleft surgery. Topics such as measuring cleft speech, challenges to compare speech outcome and indications for surgery will all be addressed
Peripheral nerves are complex and fascinating in function and anatomy. Nerve compression and injury is not only common in the upper extremity, but also in the lower extremity. Surgical intervention is often necessary to reduce symptoms. The variety in neuropathies, pathologies and treatments, makes nerve surgery interesting, but hard to master.
This advanced hands-on dissection course is designed to provide theoretical and practical information needed to treat nerve decompression, nerve injuries and neuromas. The program consists of lectures, live demonstrations and dissections led by international experts in the field. The practical sessions will be performed on fresh frozen cadavers with two participants per extremity.
The independent courses present the latest surgical techniques by lectures and live demonstrations by world-renowned international faculty. You can perform the surgical techniques at the anatomy skills-stations of the University Medical Centre Utrecht. All courses are recognized as EPA Expert level courses for Dutch orthopaedic surgeons and Dutch orthopaedic residents.
Organized by the Department of Plastic Surgery, UMC Utrecht in collaboration with the Erasmus MC SkillsLab & Simulation Center. Endorsed by the International Wrist Arthroscopy Society (IWAS) Affiliated with the Dutch Society for Hand Surgery (NVvH).
The philosophy of the Big Hand Event is to cover the latest developments in hand surgery and hand therapy. The formula is unique because different input will be given from the perspective of plastic (hand) surgery, orthopaedic surgery, trauma surgery, rehabilitation medicine and hand therapy.
Seven incredible speakers all the way from Italy, Spain, Germany, England and the Netherlands talking about wrist instability, tendons, how proximal interphalangeal joints work, nerve pain and lots more!
