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Noise levels in tele-operated robotic-assisted surgery-a phase-based analysis
Fuchtmann Jonas1,2, Jell Alissa3,4, Berlet Maximilian3,4
1Research Group MITI, TUM University Hospital, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany. jonas.fuchtmann@tum.de.
Summary
Noise levels during robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) are comparable to traditional methods. While the robotic phase is slightly louder, overall sound levels remain high, indicating a need for further reduction to enhance surgical ergonomics and patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Technology
- Occupational Health
- Acoustics
Background:
- Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is increasingly adopted, with improved ergonomics cited as a key benefit.
- Previous ergonomic assessments often rely on data from open or laparoscopic surgery.
- Limited research exists on the specific acoustic environment of tele-operated RAS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and quantify noise exposure during tele-operated robotic-assisted surgery.
- To compare sound levels between robotic and non-robotic phases of surgery.
- To evaluate the overall acoustic environment for potential ergonomic improvements.
Main Methods:
- Assessed twelve robotic interventions (e.g., colectomies, rectal resections) using a sound level meter.
- Recordings were manually annotated by a medical expert to identify distinct surgical phases.
- Sound data were mapped to six defined phases of the surgical process.
Main Results:
- Average noise level was 60.5(±3.35) dB(A), with a L(A)eq of 63.49 dB(A).
- The robotic surgical phase was marginally louder (0.15 dB(A)) than the non-robotic phase.
- Peri-surgical and post-surgical phases exhibited higher noise levels than the surgery itself, with the post-surgical phase being the loudest.
Conclusions:
- Sound levels in tele-operated RAS are comparable to open and laparoscopic surgery.
- Despite minor increases during the robotic phase, overall noise levels are significant.
- Further noise reduction strategies are recommended to enhance ergonomics and patient safety in robotic surgery.
