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Randomized Control Trial of Smartphones as Microscope Simulators in Early Microsurgical Education
Cynthia R Guo1, Mihir Khunte2, Nikhil Sobti1
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
|March 11, 2026
Summary
Smartphone microscope simulators (SMS) effectively train basic microsurgery skills like suture competency and speed. Traditional microscopes (TM) remain superior for suturing quality, but SMS offers a valuable alternative for accessible microsurgical training.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery and surgical education
Background:
- Microsurgery training traditionally relies on expensive, immobile operative-level microscopes (TM).
- Smartphone microscope simulators (SMS) offer a portable and affordable alternative, but their efficacy requires further study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of SMS training versus traditional TM training for microsurgical skills acquisition.
- To evaluate the impact of SMS and TM training on suture completion, quality, speed, and self-confidence.
Main Methods:
- Surgical students and residents were randomized into three groups: Test-Only, SMS training, or TM training.
- Participants completed suture tests before and after a 1-week training period, assessed blindly.
- Key metrics included suture completion, quality (SMART Score), speed, and self-confidence.
Main Results:
- SMS training significantly improved suture completion, SMART Score, and self-confidence compared to no training.
- TM training resulted in higher SMART Scores and training completion rates than SMS.
- No significant differences were found between SMS and TM in five-suture completion, speed, or self-confidence.
Conclusions:
- SMS is an effective modality for developing basic microsurgical competency, speed, and confidence.
- TM remains superior for suturing quality, but SMS can supplement TM training or serve as a primary tool when TM access is limited.
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