Laparoscopic suturing evaluation among surgical residents

Background. Laparoscopic suturing is an integral part of advanced laparosco pic surgery training. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perfo rmance and preference of surgical residents performing intracorporeal and e xtracorporeal knot-tying techniques using conventional and Endo Stitch inst ruments. The residents were also evaluated on their suturing techniques usi ng conventional instruments, the Endo Stitch, and the Suture Assistant, Methods. Using an inanimate laparoscopic trainer model, 39 residents were e valuated as they performed laparoscopic knot tying exercises. Endpoints of the study were execution time and subjective preference of surgical residen ts with respect to the type of instrument used for knot tying. Forty-three residents were evaluated as they performed laparoscopic suturing exercises with three different types of suturing instruments using the same endpoints , Results. The intracorporeal technique was the preferred (89%) method of kno t tying among surgical residents. The time for completion of laparoscopic s uturing was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter with the Endo Stitch (114 +/- 64 s) than with the conventional instrument (206 +/- 107 s) or the Suture A ssistant (151 +/- 70 s), Residents preferred the use of the Endo Stitch in all three categories for suturing, knot tying, and handling. Conclusion. The Endo Stitch enhanced laparoscopic skills and was the prefer red instrument for laparoscopic knot tying and suturing among surgical resi dents. (C) 2000 Academic Press.