【Introduction】Most of our residents aim to use microsurgery to perform future reconstructive surgical procedures. Therefore, we have been actively promoting opportunities for our residents to perform microsurgical procedures in parallel with their general plastic surgery training since the beginning of their training.
【Methods】We conducted a retrospective review of cases involving microvascular anastomosis (in both breast and head and neck reconstructions) and lymphaticovenular anastomosis performed by two residents in the University of Toyama Plastic Surgery Training Program during their first year. We analyzed the type of surgery, number of anastomoses, flap circulation inhibition time, intraoperative reanastomosis, and postoperative course including complications.
【Results】The average number of total microvascular anastomoses performed by each resident was 26 for breast and head and neck reconstructive surgery, and the average number of total lymphaticovenular anastomoses was 46.5.
【Conclusion】Our study highlights the microsurgical training experiences of first-year residents at our hospital. In actual clinical practice, residents successfully performed microsurgery without apparent major problems. The presence of an experienced supervisor was deemed essential for maintaining surgical results and improving the skills of the residents.
