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Challenges Faced by Left-Handed Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Study
Akash Tomar1, Adarsh Sugathan2, Tejaswini Girish3
1Department of Physiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
Purpose:
Left-handed surgeons often adapt to right-handed instruments and environments designed for the majority. Indian data on their professional and ergonomic challenges are limited.
Methods:
A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among left-handed surgeons and trainees across Karnataka. The semi-structured tool included demographic details and questions on awareness, mentorship, training obstacles, and instrument access. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square/Fisher's exact tests.
Results:
Seventy-seven respondents were included. Most (88.3%) were aware of laterality issues before choosing surgery; 85.7% encountered practical difficulties during surgical training , and 57.1% felt pressured to be ambidextrous. Only 10.4% had ever been provided left-hand instruments despite 81.8% awareness of such tools. Access to left-hand instruments and reported obstacles both differed significantly.
Conclusions:
Left-handed surgeons face considerable ergonomic and educational barriers with minimal institutional support. Structured mentorship and wider provision of left-hand instruments could enhance equity and training quality.
