How To Suture: Handling Yourself | How To Change Your Mental State

Buck Parker, M.D.
16 Oct 201912:41
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this second installment of Dr. Buck's suture tutorial series, he emphasizes the importance of personal development and practice over innate talent for becoming a proficient surgeon or procedural practitioner. He encourages viewers not to be discouraged by initial difficulties and to commit to regular practice, even outside the operating room, to improve hand-eye coordination and surgical skills. Dr. Buck also discusses the significance of the 'C's of basic surgical technique: common sense, commitment, competence, and communication. He advises maintaining calmness under pressure, the importance of commitment in one's chosen field, and the value of communication, particularly listening. Additionally, he addresses physical attributes and stability, noting that most people can learn the necessary skills with practice, and that stability can be achieved through proper hand positioning and minimizing hand tremor. Speed, haptics, and the appropriate use of force are also covered, with Dr. Buck stressing the need for deliberate, calm practice to achieve proficiency and avoid tissue trauma. This video serves as a foundational introduction to the technical skills that will be covered in subsequent videos of the series.

Takeaways
  • 💪 Persistence Over Talent: Practice can make up for a lack of natural talent. Don't get discouraged by initial difficulties; consistent practice leads to improvement.
  • 🏥 Practice Outside the OR: You don't need to be in an operating room to improve your surgical skills. Activities like video gaming or meticulous tasks like peeling an orange can enhance hand-eye coordination.
  • 🧠 The C's of Basic Surgical Technique: Commitment, competence, and communication are crucial. Be aware of your surroundings (360-degree awareness), perform calmly, and commit to regular practice.
  • 📱 Commitment in the Digital Age: With distractions like mobile devices, it's important to commit to your goals. Regular, focused practice can lead to significant improvement.
  • 🤝 Communication is Key: Good communication involves both speaking and listening. As a learner, it's important to listen more and speak less to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
  • 🤲 Physical Attributes and Stability: Most people can learn the physical skills required for surgery. If you have a tremor, there are techniques to stabilize your hands and improve precision.
  • 🚴 Cross-Training for Surgery: Engaging in activities that require precision and small movements, like using a needle driver, can help improve surgical skills.
  • 👀 Importance of Haptics: Pay attention to the feedback from your hands during procedures. Focusing on the tissue and the interaction with it is more important than just watching your hands move.
  • ⏱️ Speed vs. Precision: Speed in surgery doesn't come from fast hand movements but from correct and deliberate practice. Start slow and focus on precision to build up speed over time.
  • 💥 Minimizing Force: Beginners often use more force than necessary, which can lead to tissue trauma. Aim to use less force and be mindful of the impact on the tissue.
  • 🔁 Repeated Viewing: This video is foundational and may not be immediately popular, but it's important to revisit it for a deeper understanding as you progress in your surgical education.
Q & A
  • What is the main focus of Dr. Buck's second video in his suture tutorial series?

    -The main focus of the second video is not to demonstrate specific suturing techniques but to discuss important considerations and practices that contribute to becoming a better surgeon or medical practitioner.

  • What is Dr. Buck's advice regarding natural talent and the importance of practice in developing surgical skills?

    -Dr. Buck emphasizes that everyone does not start with the same level of talent, but with consistent practice, one can become as good as someone with natural talent. He believes that practice can replace talent, but talent cannot replace practice.

  • How can one practice hand-eye coordination outside of the operating room?

    -Dr. Buck suggests that one can practice hand-eye coordination by engaging in activities such as playing video games, meticulously peeling an orange or banana, or using suture kits provided by companies like Medical Creations.

  • What does Dr. Buck mean by '360-degree awareness' in the context of surgery?

    -'360-degree awareness' refers to being aware of everything happening around you in the operating room, including the actions of the anesthesiologist, attending surgeon, scrub tech, and circulating nurse, not just the operative field.

  • What is the significance of commitment in learning and mastering surgical skills?

    -Commitment is crucial as it drives consistent practice and dedication to improvement. Dr. Buck suggests committing to a specific period of practice each day to see significant progress over time.

  • How does Dr. Buck define the role of communication in the operating room?

    -Communication involves not just talking but also listening, especially for students and residents. It's important to listen to more experienced individuals to learn and improve one's skills.

  • What does Dr. Buck say about the role of physical attributes in performing surgery?

    -Dr. Buck believes that while some people may have better hand-eye coordination, most people can learn the physical techniques required for surgery. He emphasizes that surgery is not overwhelmingly difficult once one commits to practice and repetition.

  • How does Dr. Buck address concerns about hand tremors or stability in surgery?

    -He mentions that even individuals with essential tremors can learn to overcome them and perform precise surgical tasks. The key is to stabilize hands as much as possible, using contact points to improve steadiness.

  • What is Dr. Buck's stance on the speed at which one should perform surgical procedures?

    -Dr. Buck advises against rushing and instead recommends practicing slowly and deliberately. As one becomes more proficient, speed will naturally increase without compromising the quality of the procedure.

  • Why is haptics important during surgical procedures?

    -Haptics is important because it provides feedback on what is happening with the tissues during a procedure. Paying attention to the tissue allows the practitioner to adjust their technique and minimize trauma, reducing the risk of complications.

  • What advice does Dr. Buck give regarding the amount of force to use on tissues during surgery?

    -Dr. Buck advises using less force rather than more. Beginners often apply too much force, which can cause tissue trauma and increase the risk of complications. It's better to risk dropping an instrument than to cause unnecessary trauma to the tissue.

Outlines
00:00
😀 The Importance of Self-Handling and Practice

Dr. Buck begins the video by emphasizing the importance of not getting discouraged by initial difficulties in suturing or surgery. He shares his personal experience and how practice can overcome natural talent. He also suggests that practicing outside the operating room, such as with video games or peeling fruits, can improve hand-eye coordination and surgical skills. Dr. Buck highlights the 'C's of basic surgical technique: common sense, commitment, competence, and communication. He stresses the need for 360-degree awareness in the operating room and the importance of staying calm under pressure. Commitment is also crucial, as it drives consistent practice and improvement. Lastly, he touches on the importance of communication, which involves both speaking and listening effectively.

05:01
📱 Overcoming Distractions and the Role of Commitment

Dr. Buck discusses the challenges of commitment in the modern world, where distractions like mobile devices and text messaging are prevalent. He advises students to commit to a specific practice, like suturing, to excel in it. He also talks about the importance of physical attributes and stability, noting that most people can learn the skills needed for surgery with practice, even if they have a tremor. Dr. Buck shares that speed in surgery does not equate to fast hand movements but comes from practicing correctly and calmly. He also dispels the notion that 'good hands' are a prerequisite for surgery, asserting that practice can compensate for a lack of natural talent. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of haptics, or the sense of touch, in providing feedback during procedures.

10:02
⚕️ Haptics, Tissue Trauma, and the Use of Force

In the final paragraph, Dr. Buck focuses on the significance of haptics, or tactile feedback, during surgical procedures. He advises students to pay close attention to the tissue rather than just their hands or instruments. This awareness can help prevent tissue trauma, which can lead to complications such as infection. He also cautions against using excessive force when operating, as it can cause unnecessary trauma. Dr. Buck suggests that it's better to drop an instrument than to risk causing harm to the patient. He concludes by encouraging viewers to revisit this foundational video as they progress through the series for a deeper understanding of the principles discussed.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Suturing
Suturing is a surgical technique used to close wounds or join body tissues together. In the video, suturing is a central theme as it is a skill that the speaker is teaching and emphasizing the importance of practice in mastering this technique. The script mentions, 'you're not gonna watch me like do suturing stuff,' indicating that while the video does not show the act of suturing, it discusses the principles behind it.
💡Practice
Practice refers to the act of repeatedly performing an activity to improve or master it. The video emphasizes that natural talent is less important than consistent practice, which is crucial for becoming proficient in surgical procedures. The speaker states, 'practice can replace talent, talent cannot replace practice,' highlighting the significance of persistent rehearsal in surgical skill development.
💡Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is the ability to effectively use one's hand to perform actions guided by what the eye is seeing. The video suggests that improving this skill is not limited to surgical environments, as activities like video gaming or peeling a banana can enhance it. The speaker mentions, 'you don't have to be in the operating room to practice,' and recommends activities that can improve hand-eye coordination outside of a surgical context.
💡360-Degree Awareness
360-degree awareness refers to being conscious of one's surroundings in all directions. In the context of surgery, it means being aware of all activities in the operating room, not just the immediate task at hand. The script states, 'be aware of everything that's happening 360 degrees,' which is crucial for effective surgical teamwork and responding to emergencies.
💡Commitment
Commitment is the dedication to a decision or course of action. The video discusses the importance of committing to a particular skill or procedure to achieve mastery. The speaker advises, 'commit to yourself like one month I'm going to practice every day,' emphasizing that commitment is key to improvement and success in surgical skills.
💡Communication
Communication involves the exchange of information between individuals through speaking, listening, and understanding. In the video, the speaker stresses the importance of listening as much as talking, especially for students and residents learning from more experienced individuals. The concept is tied to the video's theme by the advice, 'you're supposed to talk like half as much as you listen,' which is essential for effective learning and collaboration in a surgical setting.
💡Stability
Stability in the context of the video refers to the steadiness and control of one's hands during surgical procedures. The speaker addresses concerns about hand tremors and emphasizes the importance of stabilizing hands to improve surgical precision. The script mentions, 'you want to stabilize the tip of your needle,' suggesting that stability is crucial for minimizing tissue trauma and ensuring successful surgical outcomes.
💡Speed
Speed in this context refers to the pace at which a surgical procedure is performed. The video advises against rushing and instead promotes deliberate, calm practice to improve speed over time. The speaker clarifies, 'faster hand moves do not translate into being faster in the procedure,' indicating that speed should be a result of skill and confidence, not a goal in itself.
💡Haptics
Haptics is the sense of touch, particularly in the context of performing a procedure. The video stresses the importance of tactile feedback when handling tissues during surgery. The speaker points out, 'pay attention to what is going on with the haptics,' which is vital for understanding the texture and resistance of tissues, and for adjusting one's technique accordingly to avoid causing unnecessary trauma.
💡Force
Force is the strength or energy exerted on an object or tissue. In the video, the speaker cautions against using excessive force when handling tissues during surgery, as it can lead to complications. The advice given is to 'air on one side that air, on less force,' highlighting the need for gentle and precise movements to minimize tissue damage and potential postoperative issues.
💡Talent vs. Practice
The concept of natural talent versus the importance of practice is a recurring theme in the video. The speaker argues that while some may start with a natural aptitude for certain skills, consistent practice is what truly leads to mastery. The script states, 'just because you start out maybe suturing and you're having a tough time and your friend is not, don't let that discourage you,' emphasizing that everyone can improve with dedication to practice.
Highlights

The importance of self-improvement and not getting discouraged by natural talent is emphasized, as practice can replace talent over time.

Practicing outside the operating room, such as through video games or meticulous tasks, can improve hand-eye coordination and operative skills.

The C's of basic surgical technique: Common sense, commitment, competence, and communication are discussed as essential for surgical success.

360-degree awareness in the operating room is crucial for understanding the environment and responding to emergencies.

Commitment to a task can lead to significant improvement, even if the task is not directly related to the primary goal.

The role of communication in surgery involves both talking and listening, with a focus on understanding and learning from others.

Physical attributes are less important than the skill and technique, which can be learned and improved with practice.

Stability in surgery can be achieved by proper hand positioning and using contact points to reduce tremor.

Speed in surgery is not about fast hand movements but rather practicing correctly and calmly to improve efficiency over time.

The concept of 'good hands' in surgery is debunked, with the assertion that most people can develop the necessary skills with enough practice.

Haptics, or the sense of touch, is vital in surgery for providing feedback and allowing adjustments during procedures.

Attention to tissue handling is crucial to minimize trauma and reduce the risk of complications.

The use of appropriate force during surgery is important; beginners often apply too much force, which can lead to tissue damage.

The video emphasizes the importance of this introductory content before delving into more technical aspects of suturing and surgical techniques.

The presenter encourages viewers to revisit this video as they progress through the series for a deeper understanding of the foundational concepts.

Transcripts
Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating: