American Society of Hirudotherapy

The Role of Simulation in Microsurgical Training

Review published in J Surg Educ (2017)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsEvgeniou E et al. · Journal of surgical education, 2017

Abstract

Simulation has been established as an integral part of microsurgical training. The aim of this study was to assess and categorize the various simulation models in relation to the complexity of the microsurgical skill being taught and analyze the assessment methods commonly employed in microsurgical simulation training. Numerous courses have been established using simulation models. These models can be categorized, according to the level of complexity of the skill being taught, into basic, intermediate, and advanced. Microsurgical simulation training should be assessed using validated assessment methods. Assessment methods vary significantly from subjective expert opinions to self-assessment questionnaires and validated global rating scales. The appropriate assessment method should carefully be chosen based on the simulation modality. Simulation models should be validated, and a model with appropriate fidelity should be chosen according to the microsurgical skill being taught. Assessment should move from traditional simple subjective evaluations of trainee performance to validated tools. Future studies should assess the transferability of skills gained during simulation training to the real-life setting.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsClinical CompetenceEducation, Medical, GraduateFemaleHumansInternship and ResidencyMaleMicrosurgeryModels, AnatomicSimulation TrainingUnited States

Summary

Categorizes microsurgical simulation models by skill complexity (basic, intermediate, advanced) and analyzes assessment methods, recommending validated assessment tools and skill transferability studies.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review article assesses and categorizes various simulation models used in microsurgical training according to the complexity of the skills being taught, ranging from basic to advanced levels, and analyzes commonly employed assessment methods from subjective evaluations to validated global rating scales. The review emphasizes the importance of model validation, appropriate fidelity selection, and future research on skill transferability to real-life surgical settings. This article has no direct relevance to hirudotherapy, the leech secretome, or the American Society of Hirudotherapy's domain—it focuses exclusively on surgical simulation modalities and contains no mention of leeches, leech-derived compounds, or hirudotherapy techniques.

Citation

The Role of Simulation in Microsurgical Training.

Evgeniou E et al. · Journal of surgical education, 2017

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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