Effect of laparoscopic handle size on surgical performance: A randomized crossover trial.

Laparoscopic instrument handles design and dimensions are crucial to determine the configuration of surgeons' hand grip and, therefore, can have a deleterious effect on overall surgical efficiency and surgeons' comfort. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of laparoscopic handle size and hand surface area on surgical task performance. A single-blind, randomized crossover trial was carried out with 29 novice medical students. Participants performed three simulated tasks in "black box" simulators using two scissor-type handles of different sizes. Surgical performance was assessed by the number of errors and time required to complete each task. Hand anthropometric data were measured using a 3D scanner. Execution time was significantly higher when cutting and suturing tasks were performed with the smaller handle. In addition, hand surface area was positively correlated with peg transfer task time when performed with the standard handle and was correlated with cutting task time in small and standard handle groups. We also found positive correlations between execution time and the number of errors executed by larger-handed participants. Our findings indicate that laparoscopic handle size and hand area influence surgical performance, highlighting the importance of considering hand anthropometry variances in surgical instrument design.

[Clinical effects of early rehabilitation treatment after repair surgery of skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of early rehabilitation treatment after repair surgery of skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand. Methods: This study was a retrospective non-randomized controlled study. From February 2015 to February 2023, 24 patients (15 males and 9 females, aged 12-55 years) with skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand, who met the inclusion criteria and were repaired with flap transplantation and tendon grafting or tendon anastomosis, were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to different intervention time for postoperative rehabilitation treatment of patients, the patients were divided into conventional rehabilitation group and early rehabilitation group, with 12 cases in each group. Patients in early rehabilitation group received rehabilitation treatment immediately after surgery under the rehabilitation guidance of specialized rehabilitation physicians based on the characteristics of different postoperative periods. Patients in conventional rehabilitation group began rehabilitation treatment from the third week after surgery, and their rehabilitation treatment was the same as that of patients in early rehabilitation group from the second week after surgery. The patients in 2 groups were treated in the hospital until the sixth week after surgery. The occurrence of flap vascular crisis and tendon rupture were observed within 6 weeks after surgery. After 6 weeks of surgery, the manual muscle test was used to measure the pinching force between the index finger and thumb, lateral pinching force, three-point pinching force, and grip force of the affected hand; the total action motion method was used to evaluate the finger joint range of motion of the affected hand, and the excellent and good ratio was calculated; the Carroll upper extremity function test was used to score and rate the function of the affected hand. Results: Within 6 weeks after surgery, only 1 patient in conventional rehabilitation group suffered from venous crisis, and the flap survived after the second surgical exploration and anastomosis of blood vessels; there was no occurrence of tendon rupture in patients of 2 groups. After 6 weeks of surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in pinching force between the index finger and thumb, lateral pinching force, three-point pinching force, or grip force of the affected hand between the two groups of patients (P>0.05); the excellent and good ratio of the finger joint range of motion of the affected hand of patients in early rehabilitation group was 11/12, which was higher than 7/12 in conventional rehabilitation group, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05); the affected hand function score of patients in early rehabilitation group was 90±6, which was significantly higher than 83±8 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=2.41, P<0.05); the function rating of the affected hand of patients in early rehabilitation group was obviously better than that in conventional rehabilitation group (Z=2.04, P<0.05). Conclusions: Early rehabilitation treatment for patients with skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand after repair surgery can improve hand function, but it would not increase surgery related complications, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

The research question: the What, Why and How in hand surgery.

Identifying a good research question is one of the most important steps when laying the foundation of a research project. A good research question can aim to answer a hotly debated clinical issue, challenge a pre-existing dogma or make a contribution to specific aspects of a broader field of study. The difficulty in defining the question lies with pinpointing an important research topic or an area that is characterized by a lack of knowledge (the What), grasping the significance of how a precisely defined study can potentially impact on clinical practices (the Why) and determining the optimal study design tailored to answer the specific question (the How). These three domains constitute pivotal concepts in the process of shaping the research question.

Thin Profunda Artery Perforator Flap for Hand and Upper Extremity Coverage.

The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap provides a good option for hand and upper extremity reconstruction. The reliable quality, caliber, and number of perforators in the posteromedial thigh support large flaps with long pedicles. The PAP flap has been widely used for breast reconstruction, although its use in the extremities has been slower to catch on due to the bulk and thickness of the subcutaneous tissue. The authors discuss evolution of thin flaps and our application of the thin and superthin PAP flap for upper extremity reconstruction.

The Role of Microsurgery in Coverage of Defects of the Hand.

Soft tissue defects of the hand may result from trauma, infection, vascular disease, and after resection of tumors. Microsurgery has evolved to a stage where it is relatively commonplace today but procedures such as free flaps still incur significant time, manpower, cost, and material resources. The aim of this article is to articulate the specific situations in hand reconstruction when microsurgery is superior to nonmicrosurgical reconstructive options. The benefits of microsurgical reconstruction include a variety of important metrics, such as improved function, better tissue match, less donor site morbidity, and reduced downtime for the patient.

Microsurgical Treatment for Arteriovenous Malformations in the Hand.

Vascular malformations in the extremities are a common site of occurrence; arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are the least frequent of all vascular malformations, estimated at 5% to 20%. The first step in management is to perform a thorough clinical examination. Symptoms are assessed, and staging is performed using the Schobinger classification. Next, ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography are used to confirm the diagnosis of AVM and to confirm the extent of the malformation. Surgery is the first-line treatment and reconstruction is performed. In cases where surgery is not feasible, embolization and sclerotherapy may be used to alleviate symptoms.

Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap Reconstruction of the Upper Extremity.

The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is thin, pliable tissue well suited for reconstruction of injuries of the hand and upper extremity. Based upon perforators from the superficial circumflex iliac artery, the SCIP flap has advantages over the traditional groin flap due to reduced need for secondary procedures and improved donor site morbidity This article offers a detailed exploration of the SCIP flap design and technique, its advantages over traditional methods, and its potential applications in reconstructive surgery. Post-operative care and critical points are also discussed, and case examples are provided to guide readers through the intricacies of the technique, emphasizing the surgical skill and precision required for successful implementation.

Advances in Pediatric Toe Transfers.

Microsurgery is undoubtedly the pinnacle of hand surgery. Significant advancement in recent years has stretched the indications for toe-to-hand transfer in both acquired and congenital hand defects to restore function, esthetics, and motion, with minimal morbidity to the donor site. There is no one fixed microsurgical transfer technique but a surgeon's versatility and innovation in using what one could spare because each case is unique. Esthetic refinements and reducing donor site morbidities have taken a front seat in recent years. We present a few cases to put forward the senior author's preferred techniques with this objective in mind.

The Foot as a Donor Site for Reconstruction in the Hand.

The foot contains a unique collection of tissue types that can be used in the reconstruction of the hand. Numerous reconstructive options have been presented, some of which have been adopted, such as modifications to procedures that have been described in the past or even newly developed options for hand reconstruction. It is possible to reconstruct missing fingers and other hand structures using tissues taken from the foot rather than removing healthy tissue from a hand that has already been injured. This makes it possible to avoid having healthy tissue removed from an injured hand.

Medium- and Long-Term Outcomes of Autologous Fat Grafting to Hands and Feet for Patients With Raynaud Phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has emerged as a promising treatment option for Raynaud phenomenon. However, existing studies are limited by short follow-up, and there is little evidence regarding predictive factors for successful outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review and standardized phone interviews were performed for all patients (n = 17, 65% response rate) treated with AFG to the hands or feet at our institution for primary or secondary Raynaud from 2010 to 2021. Each occurrence of AFG was defined as a separate surgery (n = 23), with an average follow-up of 3.7 years. RESULTS: At follow-up, patients reported a 31% reduction in cold attack frequency, a 45% reduction in the intensity of individual attacks, a 29% reduction in the duration of attacks, and a 40% improvement in overall Raynaud Condition Score (P < 0.01). Although initial AFG to an extremity significantly improved symptoms, subsequent attempts were not shown to statistically improve outcomes. Digital ulcers were present in 65% of cases, and AFG resulted in ulcer healing in 87% of those cases. Median duration of maximum symptom relief was 1 year postoperatively, with 74% of patients reporting diminishing symptom relief by 4 years postoperatively. Those with a BMI ≥25, with primary Raynaud phenomenon or without preoperative ulcers experienced significantly longer symptom relief (P < 0.05). Average patient satisfaction was 7.7 of 10, and 91% would recommend the procedure to others. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fat grafting is an effective, albeit sometimes temporary, treatment for Raynaud and digital ulcers. Certain patients may be more likely to experience lasting symptom relief beyond 1 year.

Usability of Nerve Tape: A Novel Sutureless Nerve Coaptation Device.

PURPOSE: Microsuture neurorrhaphy is technically challenging and has inherent drawbacks. This study evaluated the potential of a novel, sutureless nerve coaptation device to improve efficiency and precision. METHODS: Twelve surgeons participated in this study-six attending hand/microsurgeons and six trainees (orthopedic and plastic surgery residents or hand surgery fellows). Twenty-four cadaver arm specimens were used, and nerve repairs were performed at six sites in each specimen-the median and ulnar nerves in the proximal forearm, the median and ulnar nerves in the distal forearm, and the common digital nerves to the second and third web spaces. Each study participant performed nerve repairs at all six injury locations in two different cadaver arms (n = 12 total repairs for each participating surgeon). The nerve repairs were timed, tested for tensile strength, and graded for alignment and technical repair quality. RESULTS: A substantial reduction in time was required to perform repairs with the novel coaptation device (1.6 ± 0.8 minutes) compared with microsuture (7.2 ± 3.6 minutes). Device repairs were judged clinically acceptable (scoring "Excellent" or "Good" by most of the expert panel) in 97% of the repairs; the percentage of suture repairs receiving Excellent/Good scores by most of the expert panel was 69.4% for attending surgeons and 36.1% for trainees. The device repairs exhibited a higher average peak tensile force (7.0 ± 3.6 N) compared with suture repairs (2.6 ± 1.6 N). CONCLUSIONS: Nerve repairs performed with a novel repair device were performed faster and with higher technical precision than those performed using microsutures. Device repairs had substantially greater tensile strength than microsuture repairs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The evaluated novel nerve repair device may improve surgical efficiency and nerve repair quality.

Being a Better Starfish Thrower, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Cardiac Amyloidosis: The Hand Surgeon's Opportunity to Make a Profound Difference.

In recent years, there is increasing literature in cardiac and hand surgery journals demonstrating a stronger association between seemingly idiopathic carpal tunnel and amyloidosis. Despite this, it can be difficult for hand surgeons to identify who need biopsies, and this is further complicated by the cost of a biopsy and the low likelihood that a patient has cardiac amyloidosis. In patients with cardiac amyloidosis and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), CTS is typically diagnosed 5-10 years prior. Early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is crucial, as current medications work to slow disease progression, but do not treat existing amyloid deposits. Hand surgeons can play an essential role in early diagnosis. The patient case discussed describes a man who had a carpal tunnel biopsy because of his bilateral CTS, recurrent trigger fingers, and his age. After confirmation of amyloidosis, he was referred for cardiac amyloidosis evaluation. Testing confirmed this diagnosis, and he was started on tafamidis, which studies show provide patients an opportunity for increased survival and quality of life. The responsibility falls on cardiologists and hand surgeons to continue refining the indications for carpal tunnel biopsy and spreading awareness of carpal tunnel biopsy and amyloid testing, as much work is still needed.

Lipofibromatous Hamartoma of the Median Nerve - A Rare Condition in the Hand.

Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) of the median nerve is a rare condition in the hand and often remains asymptomatic for a significant period. MRI imaging can reveal unique tumour characteristics; however, the definitive diagnosis is confirmed through a tissue biopsy. In this report, a 38-year-old male presented with a gradually growing mass on his right hand. Physical examination revealed a large soft tissue mass extending from the thenar area to the wrist, causing compression of the median nerve. MRI confirmed the presence of a distinct soft tissue mass on the volar side of the hand. The mass was excised along with a fascicle and confirmed by histological examination. One year after surgery, sensation has improved, but weakness remains and opponensplasty was offered to the patient. Although the treatment strategy of LFH of the median nerve remains controversial, delayed treatment can result in severe compressive neuropathy and irreversible nerve damage. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Is tropical pus in the hand special? A retrospective study comparing hand infection cases in Darwin and Adelaide.

BACKGROUND: Hand infections are a common reason for presenting to hospital and can be associated with significant morbidity and prolonged antibiotic use. Factors recognized to influence patient outcomes include resistant organisms and delayed presentation. Surgeons working around Australia may assume that hand infections and appropriate treatment algorithms will be similar between sites. This is the first study to examine differences between hand infections presenting in Darwin (with its tropical climate) vs. those in a more temperate city (Adelaide). METHODS: This is a two-site retrospective study, where diagnostic discharge codes were used to identify cases for a 12-month period and patient age, sex and rurality, duration of hospital stay, microbiology results and subsequent trips to theatre were reviewed. RESULTS: Despite significant differences in rurality between FMC and RDH patients, there was no significant difference in length of hospital stay, duration of intravenous antibiotics or return trips to theatre across the two sites. RDH reported a 25% rate of MRSA, compared to 18% at FMC, as well as a statistically significant increase in uncommon microbes, with 30% compared to 12% of patients growing microbes that may not be covered by antibiotics routinely administered in metropolitan areas. A limitation of this study was that compliance with antibiotics and hospital stay were not accounted for. CONCLUSION: It is often our training years that determine our norms of everyday practice, but fewer Australian surgical training posts are located in tropical centres. The results of this study highlight the importance of not assuming that the spectrum of organisms causing hand infections are the same as that in the surgeons' state of origin.

Mid-term Clinical Outcome of Microvascular Gracilis Muscle Flaps for Defects of the Hand.

PURPOSE: Gracilis muscle flaps are useful to cover defects of the hand. However, there are currently no studies describing outcome measurements after covering soft tissue defects using free flaps in the hand. AIM: To analyze mid-term results of gracilis muscle flap coverage for defects on the hand, with regard to functional and esthetic integrity. METHODS: 16 patients aged 44.3 (range 20-70) years were re-examined after a mean follow-up of 23.6 (range 2-77) months. Mean defect size was 124 (range 52-300) cm2 located palmar (n = 9), dorsal (n = 6), or radial (n = 1). All flaps were performed as microvascular muscle flaps, covered by split thickness skin graft. RESULTS: Flaps survived in 15 patients. 6 patients required reoperations. Reasons for revisions were venous anastomosis failure with total flap loss (n = 1) requiring a second gracilis muscle flap; necrosis at the tip of the flap (n = 1) with renewed split thickness skin cover. A surplus of the flap (n = 2) required flap thinning and scar corrections were performed in 2 patients. Mean grip strength was 25% (range 33.3-96.4%) compared to the contralateral side and mean patient-reported satisfaction 1.4 (range 1-3) (1 = excellent; 4 = poor). CONCLUSIONS: Gracilis muscle flaps showed a survival rate of 94%. Patients showed good clinical outcomes with acceptable wrist movements and grip strength as well as high reported satisfaction rates. Compared to fasciocutaneous free flaps, pliability and thinness especially on the palmar aspect of the hand are advantageous. Hence, covering large defects of the hand with a gracilis muscle flap can be a very satisfactory procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV observational.