A Comparative Study in Learning Curves of Two Different Intracorporeal Knot Tying Techniques

Area of Science:

• Surgical education
• Laparoscopic surgery techniques

Background:

• Intracorporeal knot tying is a fundamental skill in laparoscopic surgery.
• Evaluating learning curves for different knot-tying techniques is crucial for optimizing surgical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare the learning curves of surgical trainees using two standard intracorporeal knot-tying techniques: loop and winding.
• To assess trainee performance, including knot count, time per knot, and subjective feedback on difficulty and frustration.

Main Methods:

• Two randomized groups of surgical trainees underwent eight training sessions.
• Each session involved 30 minutes of practice with either the loop or winding knot-tying technique.
• Data collected included knot count, duration per knot set, and trainee-reported frustration and difficulty levels.

Main Results:

• Trainees using the winding method demonstrated a significant increase in knots tied per session.
• The winding method group exhibited reduced frustration and difficulty levels compared to the loop method group.
• While both techniques improved skills, the winding method resulted in a higher number of knots and less time per knot set.

Conclusions:

• The winding knot-tying technique appears simpler and easier to learn, particularly for novice laparoscopic surgeons.
• The winding method shows a more favorable learning curve, leading to faster skill acquisition and improved efficiency.