Microsurgery Workout: A Novel Simulation Training Curriculum Based on Nonliving Models
Validation study published in Plast Reconstr Surg (2016)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no valid training programs based solely on nonliving models. The authors aimed to develop and validate a microsurgery training program based on nonliving models and assess the transfer of skills to a live rat model. METHODS: Postgraduate year-3 general surgery residents were assessed in a 17-session program, performing arterial and venous end-to-end anastomosis on ex vivo chicken models. Procedures were recorded and rated by two blinded experts using validated global and specific scales (objective structured assessment of technical skills) and a validated checklist. Operating times and patency rates were assessed. Hand-motion analysis was used to measure economy of movements. After training, residents performed an arterial and venous end-to-end anastomosis on live rats. Results were compared to six experienced surgeons in the same models. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Learning curves were achieved. Ten residents improved their median global and specific objective structured assessment of technical skills scores for artery [10 (range, 8 to 10) versus 28 (range, 27 to 29), p < 0.05; and 8 (range, 7 to 9) versus 28 (range, 27 to 28), p < 0.05] and vein [8 (range, 8 to 11) versus 28 (range, 27 to 28), p < 0.05; and 8 (range, 7 to 9) versus 28 (range, 27 to 29), p < 0.05]. Checklist scores also improved for both procedures (p < 0.05). Trainees were slower and less efficient than experienced surgeons (p < 0.05). In the living rat, patency rates at 30 minutes were 100 percent and 50 percent for artery and vein, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Significant acquisition of microsurgical skills was achieved by trainees to a level similar to that of experienced surgeons. Acquired skills were transferred to a more complex live model.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
17-session microsurgery training on chicken models significantly improved SAMS scores in 10 residents to expert levels, with successful transfer to live rat model.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
The abstract describes a microsurgery training program for postgraduate year-3 general surgery residents using ex vivo chicken models, assessing arterial and venous end-to-end anastomosis through validated scales, checklists, operating times, patency rates, and hand-motion analysis, with subsequent testing of skill transfer to a live rat model. Ten residents showed significant improvement on multiple metrics, though they remained slower and less efficient than experienced surgeons; in the live rat model, patency rates at 30 minutes were 100% for artery and 50% for vein. This article contains no content on leeches, leech therapy, or the leech secretome and has no defensible relevance to ASH's domain.
Citation
Microsurgery Workout: A Novel Simulation Training Curriculum Based on Nonliving Models.
Rodriguez JR et al. · Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 2016
Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026