Surgeon hand size influences laparoscopic finger loop handle preference

To compare the comfort and functionality of three sizes of laparoscopic ring/finger loop handles during a laparoscopic cup biopsy task and determine which design feature was most associated with comfort.

Prospective, blinded, randomized three-way cross-over study.

Participants (n = 120) at the 2022 American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) annual symposium.

Participants performed a laparoscopic cup biopsy task using three differently sized finger loop handles. Participants were blinded to the handles and randomized in their order of presentation. Each participant completed a demographic survey and a post-task four-question survey regarding handle characteristics and preferences.

Female participants had a median glove size of six compared to males with a size seven. Female participants described the small handle as most comfortable (52/81, 64.2%); male participants preferred the medium and large handles equally. Participants glove size predicted the "most comfortable" handle size (p < .001). Both glove size and gender predicted the "least comfortable" handle size (p < .001, p < .045, respectively). Female participants reported that the characteristic "easier to turn dial" was the most important reason for comfort (31/81; 38.3%). Male participants reported that "fingers felt more comfortable in grips" as the most important reason for comfort (15/27, 55.6%).

Surgeons with smaller glove sizes (<6.5) and female surgeons experience more difficulty with commonly available laparoscopic handles. The most important design feature for laparoscopic equipment is dependent on glove size.

Surgeons should review all available options for laparoscopic handles to improve ergonomics during laparoscopic surgery.