An Analysis of the Effect of selected Factors on microsurgical Performance

Abstract

Background Microsurgery is a specific surgical expertise that involves operating on very small structures, and requires the assistance of a magnifying device: a microscope or loupes. Several factors have been identified that could affect the quality of microsurgical performance in training or surgical procedures.

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the selected factors – caffeine, alcohol and physical exercise – on a microsurgical task prior its performance.

Methods Ten students from the 5th and 6th years of medical studies who had completed the advanced microsurgical course performed a “6-stitches test” on a latex glove spanned over a cup prior to and after consumption of caffeine, alcohol and performing physical exercises. The times taken to complete the task at baseline and post-exposure were recorded.

Results The results of the study show a statistically significant positive effect of caffeine and a statistically significant negative effect of physical exercise on microsurgical performance when performed shortly before the task. Small dose of alcohol taken before the task showed had little effect on performance.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund Bei der Mikrochirurgie handelt es sich um eine spezielle chirurgische Operationstechnik für Eingriffe an sehr kleinen Strukturen unter Verwendung eines Mikroskops oder einer Lupenbrille. Mehrere Faktoren beeinflussen das mikrochirurgische Leistungsvermögen und zwar sowohl im Training als auch im Operationssaal.

Ziel Diese Studie untersucht die Auswirkung von Koffein, Alkohol und körperlicher Betätigung auf die mikrochirurgische Leistungsfähigkeit.

Methoden Zehn Medizinstudenten des 5. und 6. Studienjahres, die alle einen mikrochirurgischen Kurs für Fortgeschrittene absolviert hatten, führten einen „6-Stich-Test“ vor und nach Konsum von Koffein und Alkohol sowie körperlicher Betätigung an einem über eine Tasse ausgespannten Latexhandschuh durch. Die Zeit zur Bewältigung der Aufgaben wurde gestoppt und miteinander verglichen.

Ergebnisse Körperliche Betätigung, wenn kurz vor der mikrochirurgischen Übung erfolgt, hatte eine signifikant negative Auswirkung auf das mikrochirurgische Leistungsvermögen. Koffein und Alkohol in kleinen Dosen zeigten keinen wesentlichen Effekt.

Key words

Mikrochirurgie - Training - Curriculum

Schlüsselwörter

microsurgery - training - curriculum

Publication History

Received: 19 September 2020

Accepted: 16 January 2021

Article published online:
27 September 2021

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