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Surgeon posture evaluation during simulated laparoscopic and robotic-assisted cholecystectomy
Jakob Reinhardt1, Max Bergholz2, Luca Wegener3
1Technical University of Munich, School of Engineering and Design, Munich, Germany. jakob.reinhardt@tum.de.
Summary
Robotic camera systems do not significantly alter surgeon posture during laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Motion capture data suggests current robotic assistance neither improves nor worsens surgeon ergonomics, offering objective posture assessment methods.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Technology
- Ergonomics
- Medical Robotics
Background:
- Robotic camera systems assist in laparoscopic cholecystectomies, traditionally needing a human assistant.
- Concerns exist regarding the impact of robotic systems on surgeon posture during procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of robotic camera systems on surgeon posture during simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomies.
- To explore objective posture assessment methods compatible with surgical environments.
Main Methods:
- A feasibility study comparing one surgeon's posture with and without robotic endoscope assistance.
- Utilized a medical mockup, a robotic endoscope holder (Soloassist 2), and two motion capture systems (VICON, Xsens MVN Awinda).
Main Results:
- Surgeon posture remained largely static and predominantly ergonomically correct in both robotic-assisted and non-assisted scenarios.
- The study found no significant ergonomic advantages or disadvantages conferred by robotic assistance under the examined conditions.
Conclusions:
- Motion data analysis offers an objective method for evaluating surgeon posture, moving beyond traditional observational or self-reported assessments.
- While preliminary, this approach demonstrates the potential for motion capture in assessing surgeon ergonomics in robotic-assisted surgery.
