CLINICAL QUESTION
What is the prevalence of left-handedness (LH) among otolaryngology–head and neck surgery practitioners, what is dexterity’s impact on LH trainees, and what are some common patterns in their training experiences?
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July 2024BOTTOM LINE
Surgical instruments and equipment are often designed for right-handed (RH) users, creating potential ergonomic
challenges for LH surgeons, and ORLHN falls behind other fields in providing targeted support.
BACKGROUND: Studies have reported that LH surgeons lack support and proper training in motor skills during residency programs. For otolaryngologists, who are called to perform intricate surgical procedures in sensitive areas, handedness takes on profound significance; however, there is a paucity of data pertaining to LH surgeons in the field of ORLHN.
STUDY DESIGN: Survey study.
SETTING: Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
SYNOPSIS: Researchers surveyed members of the Saudi Otorhinolaryngology Society, including ORLHN attending consultants, board-certified registrars, and current residents. The survey was designed in three sections: one for attending consultants, with questions on training methods and strategies for LH trainees; one for attending consultant rhinologists, with questions investigating common maneuvers used for LH trainees; and one for all LH ORLHN surgeons, with questions on their training experiences. A total of 174 respondents (65.5% male; mean age 34.3 years) were included in the analysis. A 13.2% LH prevalence was found among them. Rhinologists showed wide disparities in their guidance practices for LH trainees, creating contradicting advice for trainees who rotate among attending consultants. Among LH trainees, 57% and 41% reported difficulties in learning and performing side-specific procedures such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery and endoscopic septoplasty, respectively, often attempting to switch to their non-dominant hand. Of all participants, 94.4% had not encountered any courses tailored for LH trainees. Authors cite the lack of specific tips and manuals, mentorships, specialized instruments, and specific courses in ORLHN training as compared to other fields, noting that these deficits contribute to the negative impact on the field’s LH surgeons. Study limitations included the small sample size.
CITATION: Alhussien A, Alamri A, Almjhad A, et al. Left-handedness in otolaryngology, who is right? Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2024;9:e1264.