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Ergonomics in the operating room: protecting the surgeon
Peter L Rosenblatt1, Jessica McKinney, Sonia R Adams
1Division of Urogynecology, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology
|August 24, 2013
Summary
Proper operating room ergonomics and surgeon posture are crucial for preventing pain and long-term injury. This study reviews common errors and demonstrates corrective techniques using video to improve surgical careers.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Occupational Health
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- The physical demands of surgery require ergonomic awareness.
- Ergonomic awareness is often lacking in practicing surgeons.
- Video has not been widely used to teach surgical ergonomics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review ergonomic operating room environments.
- To describe common surgeon posture errors in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
- To introduce video as a tool for teaching surgical ergonomics.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive video based on clinical experience and literature review.
- Demonstration of ergonomic principles and common errors by a physical therapist and surgeon.
- Focus on gynecologic surgeons in a community teaching hospital setting.
Main Results:
- Identified 3 common postural errors: forward head, elevated shoulders, pelvic asymmetry.
- Demonstrated proper equipment setup and surgical positioning.
- Presented postural reset and motion strategies to mitigate fatigue and pain.
Conclusions:
- Correct ergonomics is a learned behavior.
- Video is an effective tool for improving ergonomic practices.
- Prioritizing operating room setup, posture, and resets promotes a healthier surgical career.
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