Chicken thigh microvascular training model improves resident surgical skills

Area of Science:

• Microsurgery
• Surgical Education
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Intraoperative teaching of microsurgical techniques for vessel anastomosis in free flap surgery is challenging.
• The chicken thigh microvascular model is a validated, high-fidelity tool for assessing surgical skill levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively evaluate if the chicken thigh microvascular model improves microsurgical skills in surgical residents.
• To assess the effectiveness of the model in enhancing vessel anastomosis proficiency.

Main Methods:

• Thirteen residents received microvascular anastomosis training using the chicken thigh model.
• Video recordings were used to compare the time for the first stitch of the first anastomosis versus the last anastomosis.
• Paired student t-test analyzed time differences; participant surveys assessed perceived improvement and model realism.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant decrease in time was observed from the first stitch (235s) to the last stitch (120s), averaging a 48.7% improvement (p < 0.001).
• Both junior and senior residents showed similar significant time reductions.
• 100% of residents reported skill improvement, with 92% agreeing their final stitch was better than their last.

Conclusions:

• The chicken thigh microvascular model objectively enhances resident microsurgical skills in vessel anastomosis.
• The simulation is perceived as realistic and effective for improving intraoperative performance.