The Effect of Operating Time on Surgeons' Muscular Fatigue

Abstract

Surgeons should be aware that their muscular fatigue levels will increase as an operation progresses; therefore, if possible, more complex parts of the operation should be performed as early as possible, or, in the case of a very long operation, a change in surgeon may be necessary.

Surgeon Fatigue: Impact of Case Order on Perioperative Parameters and Patient Outcomes

“…2 In other fields, electromyography studies in ear, nose and throat surgeons demonstrated a decrease in the mean frequency of surgeon muscle contractions in the brachioradialis and mid deltoid muscles as surgery progresses, which correlated with an increase in the muscular fatigue level. 3 In addition to physical exhaustion, mental fatigue also occurs during an operation. In other occupations in which operators must maintain a high degree of vigilance for a sustained period, such as air traffic controllers, breaks are mandated to decrease work load related stress and errors.…”

Cold ischemia in microvascular breast reconstruction

“…showed that operating led to an increase in fatigue in all subjects when compared to controls performing desk work. 5 In conclusion, the authors stated that muscular fatigue levels increased as an operation progressed and recommended that more complex parts of surgery be performed as early as possible or that a change in surgeon may be necessary. 5 In a study by Uhrich et al, 6 the authors looked at muscle fatigue in laparoscopic surgeons.…”

“…5 In conclusion, the authors stated that muscular fatigue levels increased as an operation progressed and recommended that more complex parts of surgery be performed as early as possible or that a change in surgeon may be necessary. 5 In a study by Uhrich et al, 6 the authors looked at muscle fatigue in laparoscopic surgeons. The study found that atypical positions assumed by laparoscopic surgeons produced EMG amplitudes that exceeded threshold limits of acceptable muscular load, putting the surgeons at risk for fatigue and injury.…”

“…Although rarely admitted publicly, surgeons can and do become fatigued during long operations, and this fatigue can be measured both qualitatively and quantitatively. According to a 2008 study by Slack et al, 5 changes in mean frequency of muscle contractions as measured by electromyography (EMG) were used to quantify muscle fatigue in ENT surgeons. The results Figure 4.…”

Assessment of fatigue in intraocular surgery: analysis using a virtual reality simulator

“…With regards to surgical performance, fatigue can be difficult to quantify, especially in a live theatre setting. It is believed that muscular and mental fatigue can develop during prolonged operating leading to a reduction in a surgeon's fine motor control and reduced precision of instrument movement [2].…”