A portable tensiometer for assessing surgeon's knot tying technique

• Published in: Gynecologic oncology Vol. 48; no. 1; p. 114
• Main Authors: Batra, E K, Taylor, P T, Franz, D A, Towler, M A, Edlich, R F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-01-1993
• Subjects: Suture Techniques; Tensile Strength
• ISSN: 0090-8258
• DOI: 10.1006/gyno.1993.1018

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of surgeon's tying technique on knot security using O and 2-O monofilament and multifilament nylon sutures. By use of an Instron Tensile Tester and a portable tensiometer, knot security was achieved with these sutures using four-throw square knots (1 = 1 = 1 = 1). After didactic and psychomotor skill training, medical students were taught to construct the four-throw square knot using either a two-hand tie or an instrument tie. By use of the portable tensiometer, their knot tying techniques were judged to be superior to those used by a cohort of obstetricians and gynecologists. The surgeon's faulty technique can easily be corrected by didactic information and psychomotor skill training.