Abstract
Background: A large proportion of surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) experience musculoskeletal pain in the upper body possibly due to awkward and long-term static positions. This can be detrimental for workability and health. The objective of the present review is to sum up on the existing literature on musculoskeletal pain in surgeons.
Methods: A systematic literature search was employed. In total, 1.849 titles were scrutinized and 24 articles were found relevant. Due to the diversity of data, a narrative synthesis method was applied.
Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in surgeons performing MIS is high and derives mainly from static postures. Positioning of monitor, adjustment of table height and instrument design also contribute substantially. Robotic assisted laparoscopy seems less physically demanding for the surgeon compared with conventional laparoscopy. However, some studies highlight that also this surgical modality can be associated with musculoskeletal pain of the neck and hands.
Discussion: MIS, independent on modality, may induce musculoskeletal pain and discomfort and thereby deteriorate the workability of the surgeons; quantitatively and qualitatively. This may put the patients at a higher risk of complications, and on the longer term there is an increasing risk for the surgeon to develop chronic musculoskeletal pain that will disable him/her to perform his/her job. Therefore, surgeons’ musculoskeletal health is of vital importance and must be considered alongside patient safety. The present literature study supports the need for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of an individually designed training program for surgeons performing MIS.
Methods: A systematic literature search was employed. In total, 1.849 titles were scrutinized and 24 articles were found relevant. Due to the diversity of data, a narrative synthesis method was applied.
Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in surgeons performing MIS is high and derives mainly from static postures. Positioning of monitor, adjustment of table height and instrument design also contribute substantially. Robotic assisted laparoscopy seems less physically demanding for the surgeon compared with conventional laparoscopy. However, some studies highlight that also this surgical modality can be associated with musculoskeletal pain of the neck and hands.
Discussion: MIS, independent on modality, may induce musculoskeletal pain and discomfort and thereby deteriorate the workability of the surgeons; quantitatively and qualitatively. This may put the patients at a higher risk of complications, and on the longer term there is an increasing risk for the surgeon to develop chronic musculoskeletal pain that will disable him/her to perform his/her job. Therefore, surgeons’ musculoskeletal health is of vital importance and must be considered alongside patient safety. The present literature study supports the need for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of an individually designed training program for surgeons performing MIS.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2015 |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
| Event | ESGO: 19th International Meeting of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology - Nice, France Duration: 24. Oct 2015 → 27. Oct 2015 |
Conference
| Conference | ESGO |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | France |
| City | Nice |
| Period | 24/10/2015 → 27/10/2015 |