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Evaluating the surgical trainee ergonomic experience during minimally invasive abdominal surgery (ESTEEMA study)
Cassandra Chan1, Ying Ching Tan2, Ee Wen Lim2
1Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
Scientific Reports
|May 31, 2024
Summary
Minimally invasive abdominal surgery causes physical discomfort for surgical trainees. Implementing ergonomic measures, like separate monitors, showed slight improvements in reducing discomfort and workplace injury risks.
Area of Science:
- Surgical training and ergonomics
- Occupational health in medicine
Background:
- Minimally invasive abdominal surgery (MAS) poses physical strain on surgical trainees.
- Prolonged assistance in MAS increases the risk of workplace injuries among residents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physical discomfort experienced by surgical residents during MAS.
- To identify risk factors associated with physical discomfort.
- To evaluate the impact of intraoperative ergonomic interventions on discomfort levels.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, questionnaire-based cohort study involving general surgery residents in Singapore.
- Phase 1: Assessed physical discomfort and risk factors via anonymous online surveys.
- Phase 2: Implemented and evaluated intraoperative ergonomic measures.
Main Results:
- 82.6% of residents reported physical discomfort in Phase 1, with 37.0% experiencing severe discomfort.
- Risk factors included height, training seniority, surgical duration, and complexity.
- Phase 2 interventions showed a slight improvement, with 81.3% reporting symptoms and 34.4% severe discomfort.
Conclusions:
- Physical discomfort is prevalent among surgical residents assisting MAS.
- Ergonomic interventions, particularly separate monitors and angle feedback, offer potential benefits.
- Further research and education on surgeon ergonomics are recommended to mitigate workplace injuries.
