A survey of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders associated with performing laparoscopic veterinary surgery

Abstract

Objective To assess the prevalence of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) associated with laparoscopy in veterinary surgery. Study design Cross‐sectional survey. Sample population Veterinary surgeons who perform laparoscopy. Methods Responses were collected with data regarding laparoscopic activities and experience as well as whether the respondents experienced pain as a result of laparoscopy and, if so, additional information on this topic. Variables associated with the risk of experiencing pain were determined by using χ2 tests and odds ratios (OR). Results There were 149 respondents, an estimated 6% response proportion. Forty percent experienced pain that they attributed to the use of laparoscopic instruments during or after laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons who perform laparoscopic surgery frequently (at least monthly) were more likely to experience pain as a result of laparoscopic surgery compared with those who perform laparoscopic surgery infrequently (OR 2.25; 95% confidence interval 1.07‐4.75; P = .033). Pain during or after laparoscopic surgery was most often experienced in the neck (81%), back (77%), and shoulders (75%), with 90% of respondents reporting that surgery exacerbated their pain. Fifty‐four percent of respondents experienced the pain at home, 64% had taken painkillers for the pain, and 46% had sought other treatment for the pain such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, or seeing a doctor. Conclusion Laparoscopic surgery was a potential source of pain in a proportion of surgeons. Surgeons who frequently perform laparoscopic surgery were more likely to experience a WRMD. Clinical significance Work‐related musculoskeletal disorders may occur as a result of performing laparoscopic surgery.

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Veterinary Surgeons—A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Minimally invasive surgery has been considered a risk factor for MSS. 8 16 17 20 In the present study, the prevalence of the discomfort (88%) associated with minimally invasive procedures is comparable to that in human surgeons. However, respondents in this survey reported discomfort more frequently after open procedures (94%) than minimally invasive surgeries.…”

“…A previous survey in veterinary surgeons reported that 40% of them experienced musculoskeletal pain from laparoscopy, which is less prevalent than human surgeons, likely due to infrequent procedures. 16 We examined discomfort from all types of In this survey, commonly reported efforts during surgery to reduce MSS were wearing comfortable shoes, adjusting the table height and changing their physical position. Despite these efforts, 42% of respondents reported that chronic pain and discomfort from surgeries persist at home, and nearly 90% had concerns about career longevity.…”

“…However, little is known about work-related MSS in veterinary surgeons, though previous studies have examined the effect of laparoscopy. 16,17 Therefore, this study was performed to determine the prevalence of MSS in veterinary surgeons using an online survey.…”

Standing osteosynthesis of an accessory carpal bone fracture in a Warmblood mare with a 6‐hole 3.5 talonavicular fusion plate and 3.5‐mm screws

“…Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a serious problem not only amongst human surgeons (Szeto et al, 2009) but also in veterinary medicine (Jones, 2020). Especially when performing surgery in a standing horse the ergonomics of the surgeons are more critical than performing surgery under general anaesthesia.…”

Effect of Three Different Needle Holders on Gastrointestinal Anastomosis Construction Time and Bursting Pressure in Equine Jejunal Segments

“…Recognition that modern surgeons are diverse in height, hand size and gender has led to an emphasis on providing instruments that can be utilized comfortably and effectively by surgeons of a wide range of sizes and strengths (17). This movement is also driven by the high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders amongst both human (18) and veterinary surgeons (19).…”