Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025
Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models
Published on: May 9, 2015
An Analysis of the Effect of selected Factors on microsurgical Performance
Andrzej Zyluk1, Konrad Czernikiewicz2, Joanna Antoniak2
1Pomeranian Medical University, Department of General and Hand Surgery.
Background:
Microsurgery is a specific surgical expertise that involves operating on very small structures, and requires the assistance of a magnifying device: a microscope or loupes. Several factors have been identified that could affect the quality of microsurgical performance in training or surgical procedures.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the selected factors - caffeine, alcohol and physical exercise - on a microsurgical task prior its performance.
Methods:
Ten students from the 5th and 6th years of medical studies who had completed the advanced microsurgical course performed a "6-stitches test" on a latex glove spanned over a cup prior to and after consumption of caffeine, alcohol and performing physical exercises. The times taken to complete the task at baseline and post-exposure were recorded.
Results:
The results of the study show a statistically significant positive effect of caffeine and a statistically significant negative effect of physical exercise on microsurgical performance when performed shortly before the task. Small dose of alcohol taken before the task showed had little effect on performance.
