Surgeon hand size influences laparoscopic finger loop handle preference.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the comfort and functionality of three sizes of laparoscopic ring/finger loop handles during a laparoscopic cup biopsy task and determine which design feature was most associated with comfort.

Study design: Prospective, blinded, randomized three-way cross-over study.

Sample population: Participants (n = 120) at the 2022 American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) annual symposium.

Methods: Participants performed a laparoscopic cup biopsy task using three differently sized finger loop handles. Participants were blinded to the handles and randomized in their order of presentation. Each participant completed a demographic survey and a post-task four-question survey regarding handle characteristics and preferences.

Results: Female participants had a median glove size of six compared to males with a size seven. Female participants described the small handle as most comfortable (52/81, 64.2%); male participants preferred the medium and large handles equally. Participants glove size predicted the "most comfortable" handle size (p < .001). Both glove size and gender predicted the "least comfortable" handle size (p < .001, p < .045, respectively). Female participants reported that the characteristic "easier to turn dial" was the most important reason for comfort (31/81; 38.3%). Male participants reported that "fingers felt more comfortable in grips" as the most important reason for comfort (15/27, 55.6%).

Conclusion: Surgeons with smaller glove sizes (<6.5) and female surgeons experience more difficulty with commonly available laparoscopic handles. The most important design feature for laparoscopic equipment is dependent on glove size.

Clinical significance: Surgeons should review all available options for laparoscopic handles to improve ergonomics during laparoscopic surgery.