Robert acland (1941-2016) innovator, microsurgeon, anatomist and teacher

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2017
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Duncan McGrouther
The breadth and depth of Robert (Bob) Acland's contribution to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery merits communication to younger generations. From early days at boarding school Bob took a great interest in acquiring precision skills in metalwork and carpentry which were to prepare him for later innovations in the design and manufacture of prototype microsurgical instruments. He then worked with suppliers and manufacturers to market the microsurgical instrumentation which is in international use today. Bob was particularly proud of the fine needles which revolutionized microvascular repair as described in letters of a correspondence with Harry J Buncke Jr over a 6 year period. Ultimately Bob performed the first UK series of 6 free flaps at Canniesburn Hospital with 100% success demonstrating to a conservative specialty that free flaps were to become a standard treatment at the top of the ladder of reconstruction. Moving to Luisville USA as microsurgical teacher and research worker, Bob's craftsmanship was to be expressed later in anatomical dissections dynamically illustrated from numerous aspects through his manufacture of moving stages. All his innovative works in microsurgery and anatomy were characterized by a meticulous attention to detail.