Microsurgical training with surgical gauze: the first step.

To assist nascent microsurgeons in the initial practices of handling instruments and tying knots before using an animal model, the authors discuss surgical gauze, which will be of benefit to all trainees. In this model, the nascent microsurgeon can familiarize himself or herself with the operating microscope, correct handling of microinstruments, and the technique of knot tying. Surgical gauze is readily available in the operating room, and there is no need to seek out experimental or animal laboratories, or to obtain poultry or placenta before proceeding to animal models.