Open AccessArticle
Microvascular Anastomosis in Practice: A Pilot Study on Microsurgical Training Efficiency
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Florin-Vlad Hodea, Andreea Grosu-Bularda, Andrei Cretu, Catalina-Stefania Dumitru, Vladut-Alin Ratoiu, Eliza-Maria Bordeanu-Diaconescu, Raducu-Andrei Costache, Razvan-Nicolae Teodoreanu, Ioan Lascar and Cristian-Sorin Hariga
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(5), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15050082 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: Microsurgery is a demanding surgical field requiring precision and extensive training. There is a continued need for standardized training models to improve skill acquisition and efficiency in microvascular anastomosis.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess whether a standardized microsurgery training protocol, focusing
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Background: Microsurgery is a demanding surgical field requiring precision and extensive training. There is a continued need for standardized training models to improve skill acquisition and efficiency in microvascular anastomosis.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess whether a standardized microsurgery training protocol, focusing on technique-specific objectives, improves performance among beginner trainees.
Material and Methods: A three-month, non-randomized cohort study was conducted with entry-level plastic surgery residents. Participants were assigned to either a control group, practicing without structured guidance, or a test group, using a predefined microsurgery curriculum. Skill performance was measured at baseline, three weeks, and three months using a modified University of Western Ontario Microsurgical Skills Assessment (UWOMSA) tool.
Results: While both groups improved over time, the test group demonstrated significantly greater improvement at the three-month mark (mean score: 59 vs. 38;
p = 0.00027). The structured training model promoted more consistent progress and superior microsurgical technique.
Conclusions: A standardized training protocol significantly enhances microsurgical proficiency over time. These findings suggest value in structured, low-cost training models for microsurgical education. Limitations include the small sample size, use of non-living models, and a non-randomized design.
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