Microsurgical training on non-living models: proposal for basic training

Area of Science:

• Microsurgery Training
• Surgical Education
• Plastic Surgery Residency

Background:

• Microsurgery is a critical skill for plastic surgeons, requiring extensive practice beyond observation.
• Non-living models are validated tools for basic and intermediate microsurgical training, despite living models better simulating reality.
• A comprehensive basic microsurgical training program using non-living models is lacking in current literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a structured basic microsurgical training program utilizing exclusively non-living models.
• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of this proposed training program.
• To assess skill improvement using the "Queen Mary University London microsurgery global rating scale".

Main Methods:

• A literature review identified nine exercises for microsurgical training on non-living models.
• A step-by-step training program was developed and implemented over five days for plastic surgery residents.
• Participants underwent practical tests before and after the training program for pre- and post-assessment.

Main Results:

• All trainees successfully completed a posterior-wall-first technique end-to-end anastomosis on a chicken femoral artery without major errors.
• Statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in all evaluated microsurgical skills post-training.
• The program demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness in enhancing basic microsurgical competencies.

Conclusions:

• The proposed basic microsurgery program is easily organizable and effective for developing foundational skills.
• This program provides essential training for residents before advancing to more complex procedures on living models or clinical practice.
• The use of non-living models offers a practical and accessible approach to microsurgical skill acquisition.