OBJECTIVE: To review the fundamental research and the experimental study of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). METHODS: The laboratory information and experimental study of VEGF were extensively reviewed. RESULTS: VEGF, as a mitogen specifically for endothelial cells, could strongly stimulate angiogenesis as well as vascular permeability, especially in hypoxia state. Experimentally, survival area and viability of flaps could be increased significantly when exogenous VEGF was applied in the form of protein or cDNA. CONCLUSION: VEGF provides a new way for therapeutic angiogenesis in reparative and reconstructive surgery.