Ergonomic learning curves on gynecological laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery

Few previous studies have introduced general techniques to overcome the “chopstick effect” in laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). We aim to investigate and highlight the key ergonomic methodologies for gynaecologic LESS based on the surgeon’s hands-on performance.

The first author surgeon A reviewed and analyzed the LESS procedures performed by herself and how she taught surgeon B from January 2021 to April 2022. The procedures were classified based on technical difficulty and learning periods, and the hands-on technical skills of LESS module were evaluated.

Surgeon A conducted 580 LESS procedures, which were divided into the novice (n = 48) and intermediate (n = 33) periods, and the remaining cases were included in the routine period. We formed a special ergonomic LESS operating methodology: Maintain good LESS laparoscopic spatial sensation, keep hand-eye coordination, well cooperation between the main surgeon and the assistant; Experienced multiport laparoscopy surgery (MPS) skills, improve basic LESS technique: grasp, lift, transfer, place, blunt separating, coagulation and cutting. Coordination location, orientation, movements, and flexion or extension of shoulders, arms, elbow, wrist and finger joints; Maintain strength, tension and ambidexterity postures with joint and muscular efforts to control instruments. Surgeon B learned the above experiences by performing 39 LESS procedures under the guidance of surgeon A.

This educational research sheds light on the common challenges faced in LESS and presents the importance of ergonomic hands-on performance skills in improving surgical outcomes, which could serve as a guide for future training and education in LESS.