A Simple Workstation for Micro-suturing and Vascular Anastomosis for Training in Neurosurgery

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: Micro-suturing and vascular anastomosis skills need regular practice to make performing these highly skilled surgeries become easy during real situations. Materials and Methods: Micro-suturing and vascular anastomosis practices were done on artificial silicon and cadaver skin-subcutaneous fat-muscle layer, vessels harvested from chicken and vessels and nerves harvested from cadaver using 6-0-10-0 prolene and Ethilon sutures using a table-mounted operating microscope with three step magnification. Results: The workstation was simple to use and helpful in practicing micro-suturing and vascular anastomoses. It does not need a dedicated facility or room and can be setup near the outpatient department in the corner of a small room with a table-mounted operating microscope. Conclusion: Setting up a simple workstation for practicing micro-suturing and vascular anastomosis will be helpful in improving the neurosurgery trainee’s skills, especially in a resource-scarce setting.