[A realistic practice model for learning microneural surgery without experiments on live animals].

The increasing importance of microneurosurgery in hand and plastic surgery makes it necessary for surgeons to familiarize themselves with these techniques. In most training programs, anesthetized rats have been used to learn basic microneurosurgical techniques. Ethical considerations, the costs involved, and the legislation concerning experiments with live animals permit extensive training in microneurosurgery in only a few medical centers. This paper relates our experience with an alternative training program not involving live animals. Instead, we chose the legs of slaughtered pigs. Mono-, oligo-, and poly-fascicular nerves, structurally similar to the configurations found in human extremities, can be found in pig legs. Neurolysis, primary nerve sutures, and nerve transplantations can be practiced.