Technical standardization of the microsurgery training program of plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery service of the Walter Cantídio University Hospital of the Federal University of Ceará (HUWC/UFC)

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The microsurgery technique was introduced by Jacobsen and Suarez in 1960, and is defined as the procedure applied in handling small structures with the aid of magnifying glasses. Microsurgery has expanding applications in different medical specialties such as plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery, and this complex procedure requires increasingly skilled surgeons. This article aims to present the standardization and technical concepts of the training carried out at the Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery Service of Walter Cantídio University Hospital of the Federal University of Ceará (HUWC/UFC).

Method:

The microsurgery training consists of four phases with increasing levels of difficulty and a workload of 120 h for the first three stages.

Result:

Plastic surgery residents at HUWC/UFC underwent the microsurgery training. All of the proposed objectives of the training were accomplished with satisfactory results.

Conclusion:

Microsurgery training should start in reconstructive microsurgery laboratories, and the plastic surgeon should begin supervised surgical practice only after acquiring the skills required.

Keywords:
Microsurgery; Training; Microvascular anastomosis; Plastic surgery