Controller size matters: User proficiency is affected by endoscopic controller size

Abstract

BackgroundEndoscope controllers are traditionally a one-size-fits-all design. However, this design may not fit the modern workforce in endoscopy-related fields. Our study aims to determine if endoscopic controller size, independent of user dexterity, affects user proficiency. Methods54 endoscopically naive participants completed a baseline dexterity test, followed by large-controller endoscopic and small-controller bronchoscopic simulation exercises. Participants were stratified by surgical glove size (≥7.5 and < 7.5) and gender. ResultsEndoscopy time was longer in participants with <7.5 size gloves (p = 0.01) and in females (p < 0.001). However, participants with glove size <7.5 had better dexterity measures (p = 0.04). There was no difference in bronchoscopy time based on glove size (p = 0.61). ConclusionsParticipants with larger hands were more proficient with the larger controller despite being less dexterous than their counterparts. This advantage was less pronounced with the smaller controller. Our findings suggest that endoscopic controllers should be modified in design to accommodate all providers.