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Smith et al: Variables affecting surgeons’ use of, and preferences for, instrumentation in veterinary laparoscopy
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • Surgeons with smaller glove sizes experienced more difficulty using laparoscopic instruments, especially endoscopic staplers, cup biopsy forceps, and vessel sealing devices.
  • Endoscopic stapler was rated the most difficult instrument, with a median difficulty score of 4/10 and 25% usage difficulty.
  • Female surgeons reported significantly more difficulty with several instruments due to smaller glove size.
  • Reusable instruments were preferred over disposable ones for all tasks.
  • Pistol grips were preferred for grasping/retracting and fine dissection, while axial grips were preferred for suturing/knot tying.
  • Articulating handles were consistently associated with increased reported difficulty, especially with scissors and cup biopsy forceps.
  • Left-handed surgeons had more difficulty operating endoscopic staplers, suggesting limited design inclusivity.
  • Surgeons in academic settings reported more difficulty with laparoscopic maneuvers than those in private practice.

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← Articles

Smith et al: Variables affecting surgeons’ use of, and preferences for, instrumentation in veterinary laparoscopy
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • Surgeons with smaller glove sizes experienced more difficulty using laparoscopic instruments, especially endoscopic staplers, cup biopsy forceps, and vessel sealing devices.
  • Endoscopic stapler was rated the most difficult instrument, with a median difficulty score of 4/10 and 25% usage difficulty.
  • Female surgeons reported significantly more difficulty with several instruments due to smaller glove size.
  • Reusable instruments were preferred over disposable ones for all tasks.
  • Pistol grips were preferred for grasping/retracting and fine dissection, while axial grips were preferred for suturing/knot tying.
  • Articulating handles were consistently associated with increased reported difficulty, especially with scissors and cup biopsy forceps.
  • Left-handed surgeons had more difficulty operating endoscopic staplers, suggesting limited design inclusivity.
  • Surgeons in academic settings reported more difficulty with laparoscopic maneuvers than those in private practice.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Smith 2024 et al., on ergonomics and preferences in veterinary laparoscopy, which subgroup of surgeons experienced significantly greater difficulty with endoscopic staplers?

A. Right-handed
B. Older than 50 years
C. Board-certified surgeons
D. Female surgeons
E. Left-handed surgeons

Answer: Left-handed surgeons

Explanation: Left-handed users reported more difficulty due to right-hand-dominant designs.
In Smith 2024 et al., on ergonomics and preferences in veterinary laparoscopy, which laparoscopic instrument was reported as the most difficult to use overall?

A. Cup biopsy forceps
B. Endoscopic stapler
C. Monopolar hook
D. Clip applier
E. Grasper

Answer: Endoscopic stapler

Explanation: This instrument had a median difficulty score of 4/10 and a 25% difficulty rate.
In Smith 2024 et al., on ergonomics and preferences in veterinary laparoscopy, what type of instrument handles were most associated with increased difficulty in laparoscopic procedures?

A. Straight shaft
B. Angled shaft
C. Non-locking
D. Articulating
E. Fixed axial

Answer: Articulating

Explanation: Articulating handles were linked to more difficulty, especially with scissors and biopsy tools.
In Smith 2024 et al., on ergonomics and preferences in veterinary laparoscopy, which surgeon-related factor was significantly associated with more reported difficulty using instruments?

A. Years of experience
B. Academic vs private setting
C. Glove size <6.5
D. Male gender
E. Right-hand dominance

Answer: Glove size <6.5

Explanation: Smaller glove size was associated with increased difficulty, especially for staplers.
In Smith 2024 et al., on ergonomics and preferences in veterinary laparoscopy, which grip type was preferred by surgeons for suturing and knot tying?

A. Pistol grip
B. Rotational grip
C. Trigger grip
D. Axial grip
E. Curved grip

Answer: Axial grip

Explanation: Axial grips were favored for suturing and knot tying tasks.

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