Assessment of microvascular anastomosis training in otolaryngology residencies: survey of United States program directors.
Publication/Presentation Date
11-1-2010
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess current microvascular training strategies in otolaryngology residency programs.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
SETTING: U.S. otolaryngology residency programs.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 104 U.S. otolaryngology program directors received surveys inquiring about program size, the presence of fellowship training in microvascular surgery, the number of microvascular cases per month, the use of microvascular animal laboratory, and whether residents, fellows, or co-attendings assist in the anastomoses.
RESULTS: A 51 percent response rate was achieved, and of the 54 programs that responded, 78 percent reported no microvascular fellowship positions in plastics or head and neck reconstruction. A total of 52 percent reported performing three or fewer microvascular surgeries per month. Of the programs that did not have a microvascular fellow, only five (12%) performed eight or more surgeries per month. A total of 65 percent of the programs reported that residents assist during the anastomosis at least 75 percent of the time. Of the programs where residents assist 75 percent or more of the time, 70 percent have a formal training in microvascular technique ranging from demonstrating laboratory competencies to multiday courses. A total of 48 percent of the responding programs report having an animal laboratory for microvascular surgery. All animal laboratories used the rat as the model.
CONCLUSION: Many programs find value in providing residents with microvascular training, both in the operating room and in the laboratory. Only a small minority of programs without fellowship positions responded that they perform microvascular surgery on a regular basis (4 or more surgeries per month).
Volume
143
Issue
5
First Page
633
Last Page
636
ISSN
1097-6817
Published In/Presented At
Luginbuhl, A. J., Pribitkin, E. A., Krein, H., & Heffelfinger, R. N. (2010). Assessment of microvascular anastomosis training in otolaryngology residencies: survey of United States program directors. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 143(5), 633–636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.08.007
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
20974331
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article