Microsurgical suturing assessment scores: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Skills Assessment
• Medical Education

Background:

• Microsurgical skills are crucial for neurosurgical trainees.
• Standardized assessment tools are essential for effective training and skill development.
• Existing scoring scales vary, hindering uniform evaluation across institutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare existing microsurgical skills assessment scales.
• To identify common parameters for uniform utilization in neurosurgical training centers.
• To determine the most effective parameters for assessing microsurgical proficiency.

Main Methods:

• Conducted an online search for microsurgical suturing assessment scales.
• Reviewed and compared seven identified assessment scales.
• Analyzed scales for common and important skill parameters.

Main Results:

• Seven microsurgical skills assessment scales were identified.
• Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) and Northwestern Objective Microanastomosis Assessment Tool (NOMAT) are widely used.
• Knot strength, suture separation, and suture intervals emerged as critical parameters across scales.

Conclusions:

• While existing scales have strengths, a more uniform assessment tool is needed.
• A standardized scale adaptable to different neurosurgical trainee levels is necessary.
• Focusing on key parameters like knot strength can improve microsurgical skill evaluation.