Physical and mental effects of different radical prostatectomy techniques on urologic surgeons

In this web-based international survey study, we aimed to show an association between physical exhaustion and patient, relatives, and employer-related mental stress for surgeons performing open radical prostatectomy (ORP), laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), and robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Additionally, we also aimed to compare the outcomes of three approaches.

We sent a ten-question survey to the urologists performing ORP, LRP, and RALP via e-mail and social media. Only fully completed surveys were included in the study analysis. We asked questions about age, the preferred surgical approach for radical prostatectomy, frequency of weekly exercise, and their possible associations with physical exhaustion and musculoskeletal complaints.

A total of 160 urologists completed the survey. The RALP group showed a lower physical exhaustion rate and increased eye strain (p < 0.001) and p = 0.002, respectively). Although walking was the most preferred sports activity, no correlation was found between regular sport or exercise and musculoskeletal complaints (p > 0.05).

Compared to ORP and LRP, physical exhaustion was lower in the RALP technique. Although the number of participants was limited, regular exercise weakly improved physical exhaustion and musculoskeletal complaints. We believe that regular sports activities by urologists dealing with LRP and RALP will help relieve physical discomfort.