Microsurgery courses vs continuous microsurgery laboratory training: an Italian experience

Background : Microsurgical techniques are an important part of clinical and experimental research. In this paper, we present our survey of Italian microsurgery training and our experience of the importance of a free access microsurgical laboratory. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed by administering a questionnaire regarding the current situation about microsurgical training in Italian Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery residency programs. A case–control study was performed on 12 residents divided into four groups of attendance to the microlaboratory. Results: Two hundred and seventy-six trainees replied to the questionnaire, representing 94.7% of residents enrolled in the Italian Society of Plastic, Reconstructive-Regenerative and Aesthetic Surgery (SICPRE). Only 25% of Italian residency locations own an environment dedicated to microsurgical training. All residents agreed to the importance of a free access microsurgical laboratory in their resident program. We verify a higher improvement in microsurgical anastomosis in resident who performed a more assiduous attendance to microsurgical laboratory. Conclusions: Microsurgical skills are fundamental in becoming a complete plastic surgery specialist. It is important to invest in a microsurgical training in all residency programs. We consider that our experience could be useful to spur other residency institutions to invest in microsurgical training and maybe to create a microsurgical training network. Level of evidence: Not gradable