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Improving ergonomics for the bedside assistant in robotic colorectal surgery
Shing Wai Wong1,2, Zhen Hao Ang1,2, Philip Crowe1,2
1Department of General Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
|January 30, 2023
Summary
Significant collisions between bedside assistant (BA) arms and robotic arms in robotic colorectal surgery (RCS) were documented. Identifying these situations can help prevent assistant injury during procedures.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Robotic colorectal surgery (RCS) offers potential benefits but introduces new ergonomic challenges.
- Understanding potential collisions between robotic arms and assistant instruments is crucial for patient and staff safety.
Observation:
- An observational study documented collisions between bedside assistant (BA) arms and robotic arms in 10 consecutive RCS cases.
- The assistant port's placement (right or left of the camera port) was randomized.
- Situations leading to detrimental BA ergonomics and collisions were recorded.
Findings:
- Collisions frequently occurred during dissection at peripheral fields, retraction, suturing, and stapler use.
- Medial placement of the assistant port (left of camera port) increased collision risk.
- Inadvertent movements of assistant instruments resulted from significant BA-robotic arm collisions.
Implications:
- The robotic console surgeon can identify and avoid scenarios that may lead to BA injury.
- Improved awareness of collision risks can enhance safety protocols in robotic colorectal surgery.
- Optimizing assistant port placement and surgical technique can mitigate ergonomic challenges and improve workflow.
