ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery specialists and trainees in Spain, and to measure the effect that physical exercise could have on muscular discomfort.MethodA cross-sectional survey was administered between September and December 2017 to practising otolaryngologists.ResultsFour hundred and three ENT surgeons responded, with a median age of 44.9 years, and 89.8 per cent reported discomfort or physical symptoms that they attributed to surgical practice. More female surgeons reported musculoskeletal symptoms (92.8 per cent vs 87.1 per cent; p = 0.04). When the level of physical activity was compared with the frequency of physical discomfort, no significant difference was found.ConclusionThis study has shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among ENT surgeons in Spain but has failed to demonstrate an important role of physical exercise in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.

Background:The purpose of this study was to use motion capture to collect body posture information during simulated endoscopic sinus surgery interventions performed by both specialists and residents in standing and si ing positions and to analyze that information with the validated Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool, which allows calculation of a risk index of musculoskeletal overload. Methods:Bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in 5 cadaver heads by 2 residents, and 4 practicing rhinologists. Musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated before and a er the dissection. Full-body postural data were collected with the help of Kinect and a .NET WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) so ware application to record images of the surgical procedures, and then analyzed with the RULA tool to calculate a risk score indicative of the exposure of the individual surgeon to ergonomic risk factors associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.Results: All subjects reported physical discomfort after nasal endoscopic procedures. An overall similar RULA score was obtained by the residents and the practicing rhinologists. The RULA score was slightly lower for the sitting position than for the standing position, mostly due to a lower score in group B (neck, trunk, and leg); however, the RULA score for group A (arm and wrist analysis) was higher, denoting a higher risk for the upper back and arms.Conclusion: Significant musculoskeletal symptoms were reported a er an endoscopic operation by both the resident and the practicing otolaryngologists. All surgeons obtained a high RULA score, meaning that urgent changes are required in the task. C 2019 ARS-AAOA, LLC. How to Cite this Article:Lobo D, Anuarbe P, López-Higuera JM, Viera J, Castillo N, Megía R. Estimation of surgeons' ergonomic dynamics with a structured light system during endoscopic surgery. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2019;9:857-864.

Purpose In-office rhinologic procedures have become popularised in the last decade, especially in North America. Endoscopic nasal polypectomy under local anaesthesia offers instant relief in selected patients with obstructive chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. We aimed to analyse patient tolerability during the procedure while measuring its effectiveness. Methods A prospective study of patients who underwent in-office microdebrider-assisted polypectomy under local anaesthetic from September 2018 to November 2019 in a Spanish tertiary hospital was performed. The tolerability was measured by monitoring vital signs during the procedure and using a visual analogue scale posteriorly. The effectiveness was calculated through patient-reported outcomes (SNOT-22) and endoscopic evaluation 1 and 6 months follow-up. Results Forty-four patients were included, with a mean age of 60.7 years. The mean visual analogue scale score was 2.76 out of 10 points. Vital signs were steady overall, with a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.001) in systolic pressure during the procedure. Presyncope and epistaxis were among the few mild complications. However, we registered one major complication that required intensive care admission. There was a 64% reduction in the SNOT-22 score in the first month, with a maintained effect after 6 months. Patients with asthma and a higher polyp load were the subgroups that required more time to achieve significant improvement. Conclusions In-office polypectomy is a very effective technique that alleviates obstructive symptoms in patients with nasal polyposis, and it is generally safe and well tolerated when performed by an expert. However, rhinologists must be aware of potentially severe complications.

No abstract