The microsurgical assistant

The increasing indications for microsurgical reconstruction, and the expansion of the field into multiple surgical subspecialities, have led to a need to find ways to conserve operating time, promote increased surgical skill and efficiency, and train and maintain an interest among capable surgeons. The trained microsurgical assistant is a solution to many of these goals and requirements. Since 1979, we have trained 15 nurses, surgeons' assistants, and operating room technicians in this capacity.