MicrosimUC: Validation of a Low-Cost, Portable, Do-It-Yourself Microsurgery Training Kit.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgery depends largely on simulated training to acquire skills. Courses offered worldwide are usually short and intensive and depend on a physical laboratory. Our objective was to develop and validate a portable, low-cost microsurgery training kit. METHODS: We modified a miniature microscope. Twenty general surgery residents were selected and divided into two groups: (1) home-based training with the portable microscope (MicrosimUC, n = 10) and (2) the traditional validated microsurgery course at our laboratory (MicroLab, n = 10). Before the intervention, they were assessed making an end-to-end anastomosis in a chicken wing artery. Then, each member of the MicrosimUC group took a portable kit for remote skill training and completed an eight-session curriculum. The laboratory group was trained at the laboratory. After completion of training, they were all reassessed. Pre- and posttraining procedures were recorded and rated by two blind experts using time, basic, and specific scales. Wilcoxon's and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare scores. The model was tested by experts (n = 10) and a survey was applied to evaluate face and content validity. RESULTS: MicrosimUC residents significantly improved their median performance scores after completion of training (p < 0.05), with no significant differences compared with the MicroLab group. The model was rated very useful for acquiring skills with 100% of experts considering it for training. Each kit had a cost of U.S. $92, excluding shipping expenses. CONCLUSION: We developed a low-cost, portable microsurgical training kit and curriculum with significant acquisition of skills in a group of residents, comparable to a formal microsurgery course.

Evaluation of Research Opportunities and Limitations for Plastic Surgery Residents: An International Survey.

BACKGROUND: Conducting research during specialty training provides an opportunity to develop critical thinking and leadership skills along with a better understanding of the scientific literature. However, trainees often find it difficult to undertake research, in the context of labor-intensive surgical training. The aim of this study is to evaluate the research output and limitations of plastic surgery residents in different countries. METHODS: An international cross-sectional study involving plastic surgery trainees and recent postgraduates from Brazil, Chile, Germany, and the United Kingdom was conducted. A survey inquiring into academic productivity, limitations to conducting research, and working-hours patterns was distributed among eligible participants. RESULTS: From September to December 2019, 106 surveys were retrieved. Most respondents declared having participated in at least 1 project that resulted in a presentation or publication during their training (90.6% in national presentations, 68% international presentations, 67% in national publications, and 66% international publications). Having completed a previous research fellowship was associated with a statistically higher academic output (P < 0.05). Seventy-nine percent of respondents felt that their participation in research activities would have been greater if limiting factors had been addressed, including lack of time (72.5%) and insufficient supervision and mentoring (55%). CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing plastic surgery trainees' participation in scientific research is beneficial both for residents and their mentors. Research fellowships can provide an opportunity for academically oriented trainees to further develop their research skills. Protected time and adequate mentoring can help not only to increase residents' research output, but also to recruit the next generation of academic plastic surgeons.