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

Abstract

Left-handed surgical trainees are uniquely challenged when learning how to suture using standard needle drivers designed for right-handed individuals and often feel disadvantaged in comparison to their righthanded peers. "Palming," a suturing technique that improves suturing mechanics and efficiency, cannot be achieved in the standard manner using the left hand. This paper proposes a previously undescribed technique for palming using the left hand that provides many of the same benefits as standard palming methods using the right hand, potentially reducing a common source of inequity in surgical training.