Purpose: We compared the characteristics and precision of right and left needle driving for right-handed pediatric surgeons using a laparoscopic diaphragmatic repair model.
Methods: Eighteen right-handed pediatric surgeons performed three needle driving maneuvers using both hands. We evaluated the required time and conducted an image analysis. The total path length, velocity, and acceleration of the needle driving were also evaluated.
Results: Obtained results show the findings for the required time (s, Rt 310.78 ± 148.93 vs. Lt 308.61 ± 122.53, p = 0.93), sum of needle driving balances (mm, Rt 5.23 ± 2.44 vs. Lt 5.05 ± 3.17, p = 0.83), the gap of the needle driving interval (Rt 1.2 ± 0.93 vs. Lt 2.17 ± 1.67, p = 0.04), total path length (mm, Rt 594.03 ± 205.29 vs. Lt 1641.07 ± 670.68, p < 0.01), and average velocity (mm/s, Rt 1.92 ± 0.54 vs. Lt 5.3 ± 1.39, p < 0.01).
Conclusion: For right-handed pediatric surgeons, left needle driving showed almost same quality of right needle driving as regarding the precision. But left needle driving also showed too fast but not economical movement unfortunately, implying rough and risky forceps manipulation. Non-dominant hand training is necessary to avoid organ injury.
Keywords: Diaphragmatic hernia repair; Laparoscopic approach; Needle driving; Non-dominant hand.