Ergonomic evaluation of a new rotating, dual position laparoscopic instrument handle

Due to the restricted access of laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon´s hand, wrist and arm are often forced into awkward positions. This is leading to cumulative trauma disorders of the wrist and arm. A unique handle design is described which permits the surgeon, without interrupting surgery, to rotate the instrument handle from a standard pistol grip to an in-line grip. This permits the surgeon to straighten his/her wrist and maintain ideal hand-wrist-arm ergonomics. We evaluated in surgery the ergonomics of this unique handle in conjunction with a detachable shaft system. The ability to rotate the handle allows the surgeon to maintain a greater degree of control and comfort and to avoid abnormal hand/wrist flexion and extension