Left handedness in cardiac surgery—boon or bane?

Gohil, Ishan; Sanghavi, Utkarsh; Kothari, Jignesh

doi:10.1007/s12055-023-01539-y

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Understanding the prevalence and impact of LH training among ORLHN practitioners is crucial as it has been a topic of interest and concern in the broader medical profession. 1 , 2 , 14 LH is present in about 10% of the world's population. 23 Almost the same percentage is present among medical personnel.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The issue of handedness within the medical profession has been an area of interest and concern. 1 , 2 Numerous studies have explored the prevalence of left‐handedness (LH) among medical professionals and its potential impact on their performance. 2 , 3 , 4 Whereas the relationship between handedness and surgical performance remains a topic of debate, it is clear that LH individuals face unique challenges when operating in a predominantly right‐handed (RH) world.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1 , 2 Numerous studies have explored the prevalence of left‐handedness (LH) among medical professionals and its potential impact on their performance. 2 , 3 , 4 Whereas the relationship between handedness and surgical performance remains a topic of debate, it is clear that LH individuals face unique challenges when operating in a predominantly right‐handed (RH) world. 5 , 6 Surgical instruments and equipment are often designed for RH users, creating potential ergonomic challenges for LH surgeons.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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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: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Left‐handedness in otolaryngology, who is right?

Alhussien,

Alamri,

Almjhad

et al. 2024

Laryngoscope Investig Oto

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Left-handed cardiac surgery and training: a survey-based assessment

Vinck,

Nia

2024

Interdisciplinary CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery

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OBJECTIVES There is a lack of guidance and scant learning resources for left-handed (LH) cardiac surgery residents and surgeons. No objective data exists to evaluate the reality of the training experience of LH cardiac surgeons and residents. METHODS A 32-question survey was designed for left-handed cardiac surgeons and residents. The survey questions were aimed towards understanding the experiences of left-handed cardiac surgeons and residents in order to identify and determine where the challenges of LH in cardiac surgery lie. The survey was disseminated by the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery (EACTS) through online platforms, social media and the EACTS website. RESULTS 74 total responses were gathered from the survey. 73% were true Left-handed operators. During residency, 78.1% of LH cardiac surgery residents had no excess to LH faculty. Of those with LH mentors, only 53.3% were supportive and helped teach LH techniques. As trainees, 49.3% considered coronary artery bypass (CABG) anastomosis to be the most difficult portion of LH technique. Upon initiating independent practice, LH cardiac surgeons consider being LH an advantage in comparison to residency. CONCLUSIONS In Left-handed cardiac surgery there is a lack of tailored surgical exposure, training guidance, standardization, learning tools and teaching resources. Training resources for LH cardiac surgeons and residents should be developed.

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