International microsurgery simulation society (IMSS) consensus statement on the minimum standards for a basic microsurgery course, requirements for a microsurgical anastomosis global rating scale and minimum thresholds for training

Introduction Microsurgery is a surgical technique that uses optical magnification as well as specific instruments to address necessary reconstructive procedures in different medical specialties. The apprenticeship of this technique requires overcoming a steep learning curve. There is a need for standardization of the training criteria in microsurgery. The International Microsurgery Simulation Society (IMSS) was born in 2011, since then its main objective has been to connect the main international specialists and educators of this sub-specialty to share and discuss the ethical and scientific basis of preclinical microsurgery teaching. Methods In order to achieve a consensus on the minimum standards for the organization of basic microsurgery training courses, the requirements for a microsurgical anastomosis global rating scale and minimum thresholds for training, a total of nineteen independent global experts participated in a formal consultative consensus development program. The agreement criteria for each statement was established when consensus of 65–100% was reached. Results There have been established six recommendations concerning minimum standards for a basic microsurgery course, one recommendation in relation to minimum thresholds for training and four recommendations regarding the global rating scale as gold standard for a microsurgical anastomosis assessment. The eleven defined recommendations reached the agreement threshold of 65–100%. Conclusions The development of this consensus sets the minimum recommended requirements for conducting basic microsurgery training courses, as well as suggestions for objective assessment of the learning curve and skills of trainees.