Abstract
Background The study aims to determine the effect of formal training on the long-term practice
of microsurgery.
Methods Hand surgeons completing a 1-year hand fellowship and a 5-day microsurgery rat-model
training course from a single institution over a 15-year period (1996–2011) were surveyed.
Patency rates (at 24 hours), additional days spent in the laboratory, and training
(orthopedic [OS] vs. plastic surgery [PS]) were correlated with the questionnaire
responses regarding microsurgical confidence and practice spectrum.
Results Data were obtained for 100% (61/61) of former fellows. PSs were 4.7 and 7.6 times
more likely to perform replants and free flaps than OSs, respectively. Training patency
rates and days in the laboratory were fair predictors of current practice of free
flaps and replants.
Conclusion PSs are more likely to perform replants and free flaps than OSs. Successful completion
of a microsurgical skills course can be used as a predictor of those who will ultimately
practice microsurgery. Broader application of microsurgical skills labs may be a technique
to increase the practice of microsurgery among all hand surgeons.
Keywords
education - free flap - laboratory training - microsurgery - microsurgical training
- replantation
