[Current status of endoscopy-related musculoskeletal disorders in Japan: results of a multicenter questionnaire survey]

To clarify the current status of endoscopy-related musculoskeletal disorders (E-MSDs) in Japan, we conducted a multicenter questionnaire survey targeting gastroenterologists. Responses were obtained from 114 participants across 44 facilities and analyzed accordingly. Among the respondents, 68.4% experienced E-MSDs and 42.3% of them believed that the symptoms affected their daily routine. Age and years of endoscopic experience were significantly associated with symptom occurrence. Additionally, the number of colonoscopies performed was identified as a factor associated with the presence of left-hand symptoms. Notably, gastroenterologists who performed ≥10 endoscopic submucosal dissection procedures per month reported significantly higher symptom scores and a greater incidence of cervical and shoulder symptoms. These findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness of E-MSDs among gastroenterologists in Japan, along with the development and implementation of effective preventive measures.