Manual of Basic Microsurgical Techniques

Sandra Shurey is a research surgeon and the co-author of the training manual Basic Microsurgical Techniques. She has over 40 years’ experience of teaching microsurgery and to date has tutored over 4000 surgeons from many differing specialties. She has had 1 manual, 3 book chapters and over 50 research papers published and has lectured internationally on microsurgical techniques. She has honed her microsurgical skills from a research background of organ transplantation (heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas and small bowel) also including free-flap, muscle transplantation, vasovasostomy, epididyvasovasostomy and nerve regeneration. She has also contributed to the assessment of microsurgical skills and to identifying the ‘gold standard’ for the running of microsurgical workshops Europe wide. She also tutored microsurgery to medical MSc students from Imperial College, UCL and Queen Mary University and was nominated an Honorary Lectureship at Queen Mary’s. In 2016 when she retired, she started her own microsurgical training company: MicroShure Microsurgery and now teaches on a 1:1 basis from her home in Devon. She is still called upon for surgical research projects and still teaches and lectures on microsurgery at hospitals when requested.

Sital Vara, BSc, PGCert, is a Surgical Trainer and Research Surgeon and current Director of the Northwick Park Microvascular course. Sital Vara has a background in surgical research, including wound-healing models, aneurysm repair and surgical implants. She has over 10 years of experience in small and large animal anaesthesia. She is an Honorary Lecturer for UCL and teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students basic surgical skills, endoscopy, laparoscopy, microvascular surgery and robotic skills. Dr Vara has a passion for training and education and is involved in the organisation, management and continued development of various surgical training courses including, endovascular aneurysm repair courses, the London free-flap course and craniofacial trauma courses.

Abdul Ahmed, BDS, MFDSRCS, MBChB, MRCS, DO-HNS, PGCert, FRCS(OMFS), is a Consultant OMFS/Head & Neck/Reconstructive/Robotic Surgeon, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London and a Clinical Tutor at the Griffin Institute Surgical Training & Medical Research Charity. Bringing almost a decade of consultant experience in OMFS and head and neck surgery, Prof. Ahmed exhibits and innovative approach to his practice. He incorporates cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D planning, augmented reality (AR) and robotic surgery, into his work. With a notable repertoire, he has authored multiple textbooks and regularly imparts his knowledge through teaching engagements, including courses centered around microvascular surgery, reconstructive surgery and undergraduate/postgraduate training for several universities.