[Profitability of reconstructive microsurgery: position paper of the German-Speaking Group for Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Vessels].

The profitability of medical treatment has gained increasing importance in health politics and likewise has become a considerable part of a microsurgeon's daily practice. The resulting cost pressure leads to microsurgeons having to justify their often complex and expensive treatments against hospital providers and health insurances. In this position paper of the German Speaking Group for Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Vessels, we analyze the current status of profitability of microsurgical extremity and breast reconstruction, and its impact on choice of therapy and residency training. We specifically highlight the available literature, that shows often reduced long-term treatment costs after microsurgical reconstruction in comparison to cheaper initial treatments. The statements are based on a consensus workshop on the 40th meeting of the DAM in Lugano, Switzerland.