The thrust forward into small dimensions with the aid of high magni fication (6-40 power) under the operating microscope marks an important development in almost all fields of surgery. Neurosurgery, ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology have already integrated the binocular mono scope as an indispensable tool into their armamentarium. General surgery is also making increasing use of it-as is the case with transplantations of autogenous free intestinal grafts. A great "victory march of microsurgery," however, appears to be taking place in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Reimplantation of...