Size discrepancy in vessels during microvascular anastomosis: two techniques to overcome this problem.

The problem of size discrepancy between vessels during microvascular procedures is well known. Inability to successfully overcome this problem can lead to turbulent flow at the anastomotic site with consequent thrombosis. Various techniques have been described to overcome this problem. We describe two techniques that have been used for over two decades in our institution. Both these techniques enable the surgeon to overcome far more significant size mismatches than other available techniques while still allowing for end-to-end anastomosis.