[Alternatives to laboratory animals in microsurgical training]

Aim of this present literature-study is to show the possibilities of reduction and replacement of laboratory animals in education and training in microsurgical techniques. Laboratory animals have been the standard model for a microsurgical unit. In the last years some publications about the use of alternatives to laboratory animals can be found. Microsurgical techniques are used in almost all surgical disciplines and so there is an enormous importance for the clinical work. Because of the increasing sensibility of the public animal welfare has a higher rank now. Furthermore ethical viewpoints are more important for research, science, and medical and biomedical education. The necessity of laboratory animals for education and training in microsurgical techniques is discussed. Furthermore there are alternatives to laboratory animals described.