Throughout human history, organ or limbs transplants were largely represented in the old textbooks but these procedures with vascular anastomosis of small vessels were only successful after the work of Jacobson and Suarez, in 1960, which used the microscope to help the suture act. After that, in 1965, KOMATSU performed the first successful replantation of a thumb. This relatively new technique requires a great effort, perseverance and a long learning curve. The practice allows the young surgeon to improve the surgical technique and at the same time acquire a correct handling of the tissues. The failure in experimental conditions is unpleasant but when happens in clinical practice its consequences are dramatic. So it is only the intensive training in animal model that ensures the confidence and technical skill critical to success.  

This course does not provide credentials for the exercise of medicine for those without appropriate training, recognition and registered at the "Ordem dos Médicos".