WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TRAIN MICROSURGERY? : A SURVEY OF MICROSURGEONS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Microsurgery is a fundamental technique in the armamentarium of reconstructive plastic surgery for complex treatments involving free tissue transfer. Its training involves years, and the nancial and ethical costs should not be overlooked. The training model is an important tool in teaching surgical techniques, as well as having an important social impact, as the professional will improve techniques and improve the intervention on the human being. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the opinions of microsurgeons about the role of simulation in the training of microsurgical techniques. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to microsurgeons working in Brazil, about the role of simulation in the evaluation of microsurgery and in the training of their techniques. RESULTS: This study observed that 72% of the interviewees had already taken some practical course in microsurgery. Such a percentile demonstrates the importance that training models have gained, and some institutions have even recommended participation in refresher courses before clinical practice. About 80% of our participants believe that routine training in a simulation lab environment would have improved their skills. In addition, 93% agree that such practice would have been useful during their residency. More than half of the respondents believe that a high-delity, non-animal synthetic training model would be very important in their training. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the opinions of microsurgeons have changed over time, becoming more favorable to the use of simulation in training microsurgical techniques.