Occupational hazards of endoscopic surgery

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Minimally invasive surgery poses physical risks to surgeons.
• Few studies have investigated physical consequences for otolaryngologists performing endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES).
• The ergonomic design of instruments in EES requires further investigation regarding surgeon well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence, quality, and severity of physical symptoms experienced by otolaryngologists during EES.
• To assess the relationship between ergonomically designed instruments and surgeon-reported physical symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A 25-question survey was distributed to practicing otolaryngologists from September 2010 to March 2011.
• Survey questions covered demographics, physical symptoms, ergonomics, and operating room environment.
• Statistical analysis included Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests.

Main Results:

• Seventy-seven percent of 62 respondents reported physical discomfort attributed to EES.
• Thirteen percent of symptomatic surgeons experienced persistent discomfort.
• No significant associations were found between age, case volume, standing, or adjustable video display and discomfort.

Conclusions:

• A high prevalence (77%) of physical discomfort exists among physicians performing EES.
• As EES procedures increase, further ergonomic analysis is crucial.
• Addressing these ergonomic issues may help mitigate long-term damage to surgeons.