Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-6148
ISSN: 2155-6148
Nima Motahariasl, Alpa Jekishandas Morawala, Ilya Kokotkin, Borna Farzaneh and Bijendra Patel
Queen Mary University of London, UK
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Anesth Clin Res
Aims: The primary aim of this study was to compare the performance of surgical novices using an articulating
laparoscopic needle holder (FlexDex®) against standard non-articulating laparoscopic needle holders. The
secondary aim was to explore participantâ??s perception on instrument ergonomics by means of subjective surveys.
Methods: This was a prospective randomized cohort study. Medical students (n=40) with no previous
laparoscopic experience were randomized into Group-1 (n=20) which used standard instruments or Group-2
(n=20) which used the FlexDex®. Both groups performed 10 repetitions of a validated assessment task. Times
taken and error rates were measured.
Results: Following 10 attempts, Group-1 demonstrated a mean time of 217.9 seconds and mean error rate of
6.2, while Group-2 showed a mean time of 339.3 seconds and mean error rate of 9.3. There was a statistically
significant difference in the mean times (P<0.001) and error rates (P<0.010).
Conclusion: Participants using the FlexDex®demonstrated inferior performance compared to the group
utilizing standard laparoscopes. Overall, both groups showed improved mean times after each attempt, which
illustrated a learning experience. These results may indicate a longer or more challenging learning curve
associated with the FlexDex® in novel users.
Nima Motahariasl has completed his MSc in Laparoscopic Surgery and Surgical Skills in 2019 at Queen Mary University of London, UK. He is currently in his penultimate year of medical school (MBBS) at St. Georges University of London. He has had seven poster presentations in both national and international conferences and has two papers currently pending publication.