Basic skin flaps for the general surgeon: a teaching method.
BACKGROUND
Teaching residents the design and creation of skin flaps is challenging because the use of skin flaps is not common enough during the course of a typical residency to provide a broad experience base.


METHODS
A 12 x 12-inch board with a 1/8-inch foam rubber covering was designed to provide for the creation of four flaps and one Z-plasty. A lecture and practical exercise were used to teach basic techniques. Performance was measured by preexamination and postexamination, as well as by a resident satisfaction survey.


RESULTS
Mean scores improved by 45%. The resident survey revealed an average subjective rating was 4.7 on a scale of 1 to 5. All residents rated this format superior to traditional lecture instruction. Total cost to provide laboratory experience for 16 residents was $50. Materials can be recovered and reused at a cost of $0.40 each.


CONCLUSIONS
The materials developed provided an effective, inexpensive nonbiologic model for teaching preoperative skills.
Dinsmore
R C
RC
Department of Surgery, Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, GA, USA.
North
J H
JH
D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013663:Teaching / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*