Awareness and practice of ergonomics by gynecological laparoscopists in Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: Ergonomics in laparoscopy has been gaining increasing attention. The research literature on ergonomics is growing worldwide; however, there are no studies or data from Turkey. Our study provides information on the awareness and use of ergonomics in laparoscopic gynecology in Turkey. Material and methods:A questionnaire consisting of 25 questions was sent by email to 225 laparoscopists who are members of the Turkish Society of Gynecological Endoscopy. Results:In response, 45.7% of the questionnaires were returned. Six respondents (5.9%) had never experienced pain, and two respondents (1.9%) always experienced pain during or after laparoscopy. The shoulders, neck, and back were the most common sites where respondents experienced pain. Most of the respondents (64.1%) utilized one monitor during laparoscopic surgery, and only 2% of respondents utilized a monitor below eye level. Less than 50% of the respondents were aware of ergonomic guidelines.Conclusions: Even though less than half of the Turkish gynecological laparoscopist respondents were aware of ergonomic guidelines, more than half used appropriate visual systems, operating tables, hand instruments, and had large enough operating rooms. Only the number and level of monitors used by respondents were not in accordance with ergonomic guidelines.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among gynecologic surgeons performing laparoscopic procedures: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The estimated prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among gynecologic laparoscopic surgeons was 82% (95% CI, 70%–89%; I 2 , 92%), calculated from a pooled sample size of 1619 surgeons among the 12 studies included (Figure 4). 3,4,8–17 As studies varied in the type of prevalence reported, subgroup analyses were performed to estimate the lifetime, 12‐month, and point prevalence (Figure 5). The estimated lifetime prevalence was 90% (95% CI, 76%–96%; I 2 , 91%), based on data from six studies with a combined sample size of 626 3,4,10,12,13,15 .…”

“… 3,4,8–17 As studies varied in the type of prevalence reported, subgroup analyses were performed to estimate the lifetime, 12‐month, and point prevalence (Figure 5). The estimated lifetime prevalence was 90% (95% CI, 76%–96%; I 2 , 91%), based on data from six studies with a combined sample size of 626 3,4,10,12,13,15 . The 12‐month prevalence, reported in only one study with a sample size of 67 surgeons, was 63% (95% CI, 51%–73%) 11 .…”

“…To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta‐analysis to specifically examine musculoskeletal symptoms among gynecologic surgeons who perform conventional laparoscopic procedures. Of the 12 studies that met our inclusion criteria, 3,4,8–17 with a pooled sample of 1619 gynecologic surgeons, our analysis identified a prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms of 82% (95% CI, 70%–89%; I 2 , 92%). Female surgeons are at greater risk for musculoskeletal symptoms than their male counterparts, with a pooled odds ratio of 4.64 (95% CI, 2.63–8.19; I 2 , 0%) 3,13,17 .…”

“…Although several studies have reported on musculoskeletal symptoms among gynecologic surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery, 3,4,8–17 a systematic appraisal of the available literature is warranted to adequately estimate the scope and burden of the problem. This evidence is necessary to improve the long‐term occupational health of gynecologic surgeons.…”

“…[5][6][7] This high cognitive load is thought to further increase the risk for musculoskeletal symptoms by shifting surgeons' attention away from their own posture and movements. [5][6][7] Although several studies have reported on musculoskeletal symptoms among gynecologic surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery, 3,4,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] a systematic appraisal of the available literature is warranted to adequately estimate the scope and burden of the problem. This evidence is necessary to improve the long-term occupational health of gynecologic surgeons.…”