Microsurgical training in a rat model: an approach and concept for gynecological surgeons

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to introduce a training program for microvascular anastomosis that includes an in vivo model which is elegant and effective.

Material & methods: The infrarenal abdominal aorta or inferior vena cava of anesthetized live Sprague-Dawley rats were dissected, clamped and divided. Two trainees each created 12 microsurgical anastomoses in six animals. The training effect was measured by comparing the time taken to perform the initial anastomoses with the final attempts for each trainee. Afterwards, each anastomosis was probed to check whether the procedure was successful.

Results: The training model was practical and easy to set up. The average diameter of the aorta measured 1.5 mm and the vein measured 2.1 mm, which reflects the situation in human gynecological reconstructive surgery. The achieved training effect over the course of the training was highly significant. Arterial anastomosis time improved by an average of 8.5 min (P < 0.01) and venous anastomosis time improved by an average of 13.2 min (P < 0.01). The success rate for arterial anastomoses was 67%. In contrast, venous anastomosis was a more difficult exercise, with a success rate of 36% (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study establishes a practicable in vivo model of microvascular anastomotic training for gynecologists.