Intensive 2-days training on perfused human placenta for microvascular anastomoses

Background and Purpose We report on an intensive two-day training program on microanastomoses performed on perfused human placenta models. A specific scoring system was elaborated to evaluate the participants’ microsurgical skills and report the participants’ results. Materials and Methods Trainees who attended the Zurich Microsurgery Courses in 2023 were included in the study. Before performing the microanastomoses, each participant received a visual didactic training. Training was made on perfused human placenta models. To perform the microvascular anastomoses, vessels of different diameters were chosen, and 9–0 and 10–0 microsutures were used. The course was structured in two days. On day one, participants practiced microvascular dissection, microsuturing and end-to-end anastomoses, while the second day was dedicated to end-to-side and to repeat the most useful microanastomosis depending on the specialty. A score system for the evaluation of a successful microanastomosis was developed and applied to assess the participants’ anastomoses. User satisfaction was measured by means of a survey-based questionnaire. Results Fifty-two participants from different institutions, specializations and levels of experience were included. A significant improvement in the overall microsurgical skills of the included cohort was documented ( p