The honourable Professor Isao Koshima: historical contribution from microsurgery to Nanomicrosurgery

Abstract

In honour of Professor Isao Koshima’s 70th birthday, a short manuscript regarding his main contributions to microsurgery, as well as impact on the surgical specialty in Russian Federation is discussed. The numerous achievements of Professor Koshima are built upon years of experience. Currently, Isao Koshima is the Chief of the International Center for Lymphedema, at Hiroshima University Hospital (Japan). He is known be all as an enthusiastic and extremely talented microsurgeon and a world-known scientist. In 1989, I. Koshima first introduced the epigastric artery perforator flap, and the discovery of the DIEP flap is widely accredited to him. He introduced this flap at the 1st International Course on Perforator Flaps held in Ghent in 1997. Professor Koshima’s numerous contributions to the field of microsurgery are truly invaluable. His life and career are respected by all and his guidance is requested daily around the World. I. Koshima’s contribution to lymphatic supermicrosurgery is especially prominent, as this field is completely built upon his pronounced expertise. To this day, Isao Koshima offers lectures, training programs and is an active participant of many congresses worldwide, making him one of the most sought teachers in the history of microsurgery.