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The Influence of Residency Training on Breast Microsurgery Practices
William D. Tobler, Jr
Michael L Gimbel
UPMC
2017-02-04
Presenter: William Tobler
Affidavit:
William Tobler
Director Name: Vu Nguyen
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Breast (Aesthetic and Recon.)
Background: Less than 35% of practicing plastic surgeons perform any type of microsurgery for breast reconstruction. There are multiple factors that may contribute to this including residency training characteristics.
Methods: An online survey was sent to all alumni (n= 34 ) from the University of Pittsburgh Plastic Surgery Residency Program (UPMC) who graduated after the implementation of a Breast Microsurgery Program in 2006. Each respondent was also asked about their experience in breast microsurgery during residency training at UPMC.
Results: 23 surgeons completed the survey (response rate 68%). The most important reasons for performing breast microsurgery include cosmetic outcome, functional outcome, and durability. Financial factors were the least important reason for performing breast microsurgery. Important reasons for not performing breast microsurgery in practice include time consumption, resource availability, and lack of interest in the procedure. Regarding their training experience, 75% of respondents performed at least 60 microsurgery cases during residency. 90% (n=18) do not feel that microsurgery fellowship is necessary to perform breast microsurgery after graduating from UPMC.
Conclusion: Graduates from a residency training program with a dedicated breast microsurgery program are more likely to perform breast microsurgery compared to the majority of practicing plastic surgeons.
