Physical work performed by surgeons during orthopaedic operations.

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Surgical performance
• Physiology

Background:

• Surgical procedures demand significant physical exertion.
• Understanding the physical workload is crucial for surgeon well-being and performance.
• Previous research has not fully quantified the physiological demands during surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the physical workload experienced by surgeons during operations.
• To assess physiological responses, including oxygen uptake and heart rate, during surgical tasks.
• To determine the relationship between surgical duration and physical strain.

Main Methods:

• Four surgeons participated in the study.
• Maximal oxygen uptake and maximum heart rate were measured using the Douglas bag technique.
• Heart rate and oxygen uptake were monitored during actual surgical operations using telemetry.
• Submaximal workloads were used to indirectly determine maximal oxygen uptake.

Main Results:

• Surgeons operated at 20-30% of their maximal aerobic capacity in 90% of observed operations.
• A notable increase in body temperature and decrease in body weight were recorded post-operation.
• Prolonged surgical procedures led to a measurable decrease in surgeons' grip force.

Conclusions:

• Surgical operations represent a moderate physical workload for surgeons.
• Physiological changes like increased body temperature and weight loss are common after surgery.
• Sustained surgical activity can impact surgeons' physical capabilities, such as grip strength.