Training program and learning curve in experimental microsurgery during the residency in plastic surgery.
This article presents a comparison of microsurgical training of groups with different background. A protocol based on the rat femoral arterial anastomoses was used to provide an objective representation of the microsurgical skills progress. The performance is assessed by consistent (x4) patency of a standardized anastomosis. Three groups of beginner residents with progressive microsurgical experience and one group of experienced surgeons were observed. The patency curve of the beginner-groups was as an abrupt learning curve, and then a plateau was reached. There was no statistically significant difference in the patency rate between the beginner-groups after their first 32 anastomoses. No statistically significant difference was noted when the patency of the advanced group was compared with beginner-groups after different numbers of anastomoses (inverse proportional with their training experience). A slight or a plateau learning curve was found among the experienced group. The learning curve is a useful adjunct in the assessment of training.
Lascar
Ioan
I
Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery Clinic, Bucharest Emergency Hospital, Carol Davila Bucharest Medical University, Bucharest, Romania.
Totir
Dumitru
D
Cinca
Adrian
A
Cortan
Silviu
S
Stefanescu
Andrei
A
Bratianu
Raluca
R
Udrescu
George
G
Calcaianu
Nicolae
N
Zamfirescu
Dragos G
DG
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000193:education*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000193:education*; D014654:Vascular Patency