"Gun-holding" surgical posture versus conventional surgical posture in flexible ureteroscopy: a prospective...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Innovation
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Ergonomic aspects of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) are underexplored.
• Musculoskeletal strain and procedural efficiency are key concerns for surgeons.
• A novel "Gun-holding" posture is proposed to enhance surgeon well-being and career longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the ergonomic benefits of a novel "Gun-holding" surgical posture in RIRS.
• To compare the "Gun-holding" posture with conventional techniques regarding surgeon strain and patient outcomes.
• To assess the feasibility, efficiency, and safety of the new posture.

Main Methods:

• Prospective randomized study of 60 patients undergoing RIRS.
• Patients were divided into two groups: "Gun-holding" posture (Group A) and conventional posture (Group B).
• Analysis included patient demographics, clinical outcomes, ergonomic assessments, and torque analysis.

Main Results:

• The "Gun-holding" posture group (A) showed significantly better ergonomic scores (16.1 vs. 22.4, P=0.001).
• Group A experienced shorter hospitalization durations (1.7 vs. 2.9 days, P=0.003).
• While operative time was shorter in Group A, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.139); stone-free rates and complications were similar.

Conclusions:

• The "Gun-holding" surgical posture is a viable and effective alternative for RIRS.
• This posture offers substantial ergonomic advantages for surgeons.
• The technique is safe and efficient, potentially improving surgeon sustainability in RIRS procedures.