“Left on their own”: Left‐handedness among rhinologists and otolaryngology trainees

Lamb, Meredith; Russel, Sarah M; Farzal, Zainab; Kim, Sulgi; Stack-Pyle, Taylor; Delgado, Daniel Alicea; Mohammad, Ibtisam; Zeatoun, Abdullah; Klatt-Cromwell, Cristine; Thorp, Brian D.; Ebert, Charles S.; Kimple, Adam J.; Senior, Brent; Lopez, Erin

doi:10.1002/alr.23231

Cited by 2 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 6 publications

(12 reference statements)

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“…However, the percentage varies among surgical specialties, as neurosurgery has reported the highest percentage, followed by orthopedic surgery and general surgery, with 17%, 15%, and 10%–13%, respectively 16,19,23,25 . In our study, we found a relatively close LH prevalence of 13.7%, which is higher than in a recent study conducted among rhinologists and otolaryngology trainees, in which only 7% were identified as LH 20 …”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 57%

“… 16 , 19 , 23 , 25 In our study, we found a relatively close LH prevalence of 13.7%, which is higher than in a recent study conducted among rhinologists and otolaryngology trainees, in which only 7% were identified as LH. 20 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is lower than the findings of a study conducted by Lamb et al in 2023, where nearly 71.5% of LH respondents experienced difficulty with FESS. 20 In contrast to conventional surgery, in which LH surgeons are required to reverse the usual motion to perform the task, 8 in endoscopic endonasal surgery, LH surgeons face the challenge of either using their nondominant hand as the main surgical hand, which can result in difficulties with grip strength and fine motor control, 20 or assuming an unconventional position opposite the standard surgeon's position. These findings underscore the importance of developing specialized training methods, instruments, and ergonomic solutions tailored to the needs of LH surgeons in rhinology.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 8 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 Many studies have been conducted in other surgical fields, including general surgery, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, dentistry, pediatric surgery, and orthopedics, 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 but there is a paucity of data from the field of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery (ORLHN), despite its very long learning curve due to the need for skillfulness and dexterity. 20 , 21 , 22 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This might be due to a clear lack of specialized mentorship, as many studies have reported that LH surgeons lack support and proper training in motor skills during residency programs 8,10–13 . Many studies have been conducted in other surgical fields, including general surgery, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, dentistry, pediatric surgery, and orthopedics, 14–19 but there is a paucity of data from the field of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery (ORLHN), despite its very long learning curve due to the need for skillfulness and dexterity 20–22 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Left‐handedness in otolaryngology, who is right?

Alhussien,

Alamri,

Almjhad

et al. 2024

Laryngoscope Investig Oto

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ObjectivesThis study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of left‐handedness (LH) among otolaryngology—head and neck surgery (ORLHN) practitioners, investigate dexterity's impact on LH trainees, and identify common patterns in their training to improve the training experience.MethodsA web‐based survey was distributed anonymously via email to members of the Saudi Otorhinolaryngology Society. The survey targeted ORLHN attending consultants, board‐certified registrars, and current residents. It consisted of three sections: the first focused on the experience of attending consultants in training LH individuals, the second investigated common maneuvers employed by rhinologists, and the third explored the experiences and impacts reported by LH trainees.ResultsThe study included 174 participants, and found a 13.2% LH prevalence among them. Rhinologists showed disparities, with 50% advising trainees to stand on the left side of the bed and use their left hand for the scope, whereas the other half asked otherwise. Additionally, 94.4% of the participants had not encountered any courses specifically tailored for LH trainees. Among LH trainees, 57% and 41% reported difficulties in learning and performing side‐specific procedures such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery and endoscopic septoplasty, respectively, often attempting to switch to their nondominant hand, and feeling disadvantaged due to their laterality.ConclusionsLeft‐handedness presents challenges for both LH trainees and their trainers in surgical specialties, particularly in ORLHN, in which specific positioning and instruments are crucial to gain access to the desired surgical field. Despite these challenges, there is insufficient support for LH individuals. We recommend encouraging LH trainees to openly disclose and discuss their left‐handedness, provide them with mentors, establish standardized operating room setups and techniques, supply appropriate instruments, and demonstrate flexibility in accommodating their needs.Level of evidenceLevel 5.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 57%