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Common Pediatric Otolaryngology Procedures: Ergonomic Considerations
Nicole L Aaronson1,2, James S Reilly1,2
1Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, USA.
Cureus
|March 13, 2023
Summary
Pediatric otolaryngologists develop operating room preferences early in training. Surgeon neck and back pain increases with practice duration, highlighting the need for ergonomic training.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Surgical Workflow Optimization
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Operating room (OR) workflow in pediatric otolaryngology is influenced by safety, efficiency, and surgeon preference.
- Ergonomic positioning is crucial for preventing surgeon injury, with emerging data suggesting cognitive benefits of standing.
- Current OR practices and training may require improvement to support surgeon well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document workflow norms for seven common pediatric otolaryngology procedures.
- To identify surgeon preferences and the factors influencing them.
- To investigate the association between surgical positioning and surgeon discomfort or pain.
Main Methods:
- A 23-question survey was distributed to members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Otolaryngology Section.
- Survey data included demographics, reasons for workflow preferences, and self-reported pain.
- Workflow factors examined were procedure length, OR bed versus transport stretcher use, and surgeon position (sitting vs. standing).
Main Results:
- Ninety percent of surgeons sit for short procedures (e.g., myringotomy tubes, tonsillectomy) and all sit for laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy.
- Most surgeons stand for nasal foreign body removal, neck abscess drainage, and thyroglossal duct cyst excision.
- Residency training (75%) and personal comfort (81%) were primary preference drivers. Neck/back pain increased from 16% to 35% during practice, particularly after 20 years.
Conclusions:
- Surgical workflow preferences in pediatric otolaryngology are established early in residency.
- A significant percentage of surgeons (35%) develop neck and back pain over their careers.
- Integrating ergonomic principles into OR workflow and residency training is recommended, considering potential cognitive benefits of standing.
Keywords:
operating room workflowpatient positioningpediatric otolaryngologysurgeon preferenceworkplace injuryMore Related Videos
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