Left-Handed Palming of the Needle Driver: A Technical Report for Surgical Trainees

Cureus. 2024 Apr 9;16(4):e57931. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57931. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Left-handed surgical trainees are uniquely challenged when learning how to suture using standard needle drivers designed for right-handed individuals and often feel disadvantaged in comparison to their right-handed peers. "Palming," a suturing technique that improves suturing mechanics and efficiency, cannot be achieved in the standard manner using the left hand. This paper proposes a previously undescribed technique for palming using the left hand that provides many of the same benefits as standard palming methods using the right hand, potentially reducing a common source of inequity in surgical training.

Keywords: equity; medical education; surgical ergonomics; surgical technique; suturing.