Microsurgeons Are Superstitious? A Statistical Survey by Questionnaire

ABSTRACT

In Japan, many people believe in superstitions or omens. Microsurgery results, however, are scientific and thus considered to be black or white. Even if the operator is a proficient master, the possibility of flap necrosis is inevitable. It can be said that microsurgeons live in a world of uncertainty where “might” rules. How do they prepare themselves for an operation? We administered a questionnaire to front-line Japanese microsurgeons and thereby attempted to examine the mental side of these experts. We constructed a detailed questionnaire regarding several factors, including the annual number of microsurgeries, the consciousness of daily life, the physician before and after the operation, and even concerning superstition, habits for good luck, or other beliefs. We sent the survey to the front-line Japanese microsurgeons in our country by e-mail and 20 replies were returned. Many of the surgeons prepare themselves before the operation, from the day before until just before the operation. These surgeons can be divided into three types: type A, microsurgeons who prepare themselves on a daily basis and do not believe in a charm or a jinx; type B, those who do not prepare themselves especially in daily life, but have some charm or jinx; and type C, surgeons who do not have special daily preparation or belief in a superstition. The type C group included a significant number of experienced microsurgeons. Experienced microsurgeons as leaders or trainers of young microsurgeons tend to be natural and not mystic in daily life and thus tend not to be superstitious.

KEYWORDS

Microsurgery - preparation - jinx - good luck - superstition

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