Using manual dexterity to predict the quality of the final product in the small bowel anastomosis after a period of training.

Objective: The use of aptitude tests in the selection of surgeons has gained recent attention. Few have described its relevance in predicting the acquisition of surgical techniques. We aim to show whether assessing manual dexterity can predict the quality of the final product after a period of training.

Methods: Thirty-six medical students had their manual dexterity assessed completed bench model small bowel anastomosis in 8 consecutive sessions. The fine details (accuracy (number of sutures that traversed full thickness) and number of sutures placed) and gross details (bowel apposition) of quality of final product was objectively assessed.

Results: Manual dexterity correlated with grade only in the initial sessions (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = -.578, P < .01). There was no significant correlation with the fine details with any session.

Conclusions: There was a correlation with manual dexterity and outcome measures in the initial sessions of training with grade only. This relationship was eliminated by the end of training sessions. This suggests that the outcome of procedures after a period of training cannot be predicted by measuring manual dexterity skills.