Aiding right-hand dominant surgeons in left-handed use of scissors

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Skilled right-hand dominant (RHD) surgeons will have no problem cutting sutures with the right hand but most would struggle to cut with the left hand. We introduce and validate a new technique along with one published previously to improve left-hand dexterity in RHD operating theatre staff. METHODS Forty-seven RHD theatre staff from our trust's trauma and orthopaedic department were recruited for this study. Participants were first asked to cut sutures with the left hand using no particular technique (control group), followed by a new technique (new group) and then a previously published technique (Fang group). RESULTS The use of both techniques improved the participants' ability to cut with their left hand. Only 7 participants (15%) were able to cut the sutures under control conditions while 37 (79%) and 42 (89%) were successful using the new technique and the Fang technique respectively (new group: p=0.007, Fang group: p=0.0001). No significant difference was detected between the two techniques. CONCLUSIONS Both the new technique and the previously published technique to improve the dexterity of cutting sutures with the left hand in RHD surgeons are valid, effective and easy to master.

Laterality and otorhinolaryngology: a review

“…The problem with using scissors with the left hand has been mentioned, and many left-handed surgeons have developed manoeuvres to cut sutures. 8…”

“…A recent article highlighted the problems that right-handed surgeons have when using scissors with the left hand. 8 As the majority of the population, including doctors, are right-handed and have been for many generations, 9 they perhaps take too much for granted and give little thought to those who are different. Whatever the medical changes, those who prefer to use the left hand or eye must negotiate a somewhat alien world.…”

Left-Handed Palming of the Needle Driver: A Technical Report for Surgical Trainees

“…Lefthandedness has often been considered an inconvenience and disadvantage in surgical training [3,4]. While left-handed cutting techniques with scissors have previously been described [5][6][7][8], palming the needle driver with the left hand has remained a poorly described ergonomic enigma and is a common source of inequity in surgical training [9,10].…”