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Surgeon activity in robotic versus abdominal gynecologic surgery
Sarah A Collins1,2, David M O'Sullivan3, Paul K Tulikangas4
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA. scollins4@uchicago.edu.
Journal of Robotic Surgery
|September 16, 2016
Summary
Robotic surgery and traditional abdominal surgery show similar surgeon physical activity levels. Accelerometer data indicate no significant differences in activity expenditure between the two surgical approaches.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Technology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Robotic surgery is proposed to offer improved ergonomics and reduced surgeon fatigue compared to traditional abdominal procedures.
- Quantifying the physical demands on surgeons during different surgical modalities is crucial for understanding their impact on well-being and performance.
- Objective assessment of surgeon activity is needed to validate ergonomic claims in surgical technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare the physical activity levels of surgeons during robotic versus abdominal gynecologic surgery.
- To analyze differences in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous activity during these two surgical approaches.
- To determine if robotic surgery leads to a different physical exertion profile for surgeons.
Main Methods:
- Eight gynecologic surgeons performing both abdominal and robotic procedures were enrolled.
- Surgeons wore hip-mounted accelerometers during one abdominal and one similar robotic surgery.
- Analysis included average activity counts (AAC) and percentage of time in different activity intensity levels (sedentary to vigorous).
Main Results:
- Average activity counts (AAC) were comparable between robotic (83.9 ± 50.9 counts/min) and abdominal surgery (79.1 ± 37.8 counts/min; P=0.820).
- The majority of surgical time was sedentary for both approaches (robotic: 79.0% ± 5.9%; abdominal: 80.9% ± 8.6%; P=0.625).
- No significant differences were found in sedentary, light, or moderate activity levels; vigorous activity was absent in both.
Conclusions:
- Accelerometer data indicate similar surgeon physical activity expenditure during robotic and abdominal surgery.
- Current findings do not support a difference in physical exertion based on surgical approach.
- Further research is necessary to explore if robotic surgery's ergonomic benefits translate to improved surgeon experience or reduced strain.
