From a Chicken Model to a Patient: Microsurgical Repair of a Brachial Artery in Mozambique

Abstract

Summary:. In sub-Saharan Africa, options for reconstruction of traumatic injuries are limited due to lack of access to microsurgery-trained surgeons. Recently, the Plastic Surgery Foundation-sponsored Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstruction, Research and Education group hosted a virtual microsurgery skills course for junior plastic surgeons in this region. In this report, we describe a case of complete brachial artery transection requiring microsurgical techniques and use of vein graft for repair at our provincial hospital in Mozambique. By highlighting this case, we aimed to describe a direct clinical application of the Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstruction, Research and Education virtual microsurgery skills course and to demonstrate the profound impact such courses can have on patient outcomes in low-and middle-income countries with limited or no access to microsurgery-trained surgeons. Further, through newly gained familiarity with standard microsurgery instruments used in reconstructive procedures, we were able to improvise and develop modified instruments to overcome lack of resources at our institution.