🔍 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.
