The pain of surgery: Pain experienced by surgeons while operating

Souéid, Ali; Oudit, Deemesh; Thiagarajah, Siva; Laitung, G.

doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2009.11.008

Cited by 155 publications

(143 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…In addition, the use of repetitive movements when operating instruments and tools may have a role in increased prevalence of upper limb tendinitis, especially of the elbow and the wrist. 13 Forst and colleagues 14 reported an increased prevalence (up to 3 times) of carpal tunnel syndrome in surgeons who frequently use a Kerrison rongeur. 14 In the study by Davis and colleagues 11 there was a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in surgeons who had been in practice for 20-30 years, whereas Auerbach and colleagues 12 found no such association.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons: an OTA survey

Al-Qahtani

Alzahrani

Harvey

2016

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Background: Occupational injuries and hazards have gained increased attention in the surgical community in general and in the orthopedic literature specifically. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons and the impact of these injuries on the surgeons' practices. Methods:We sent a modified version of the physical discomfort survey to surgeon members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) via email. Data were collected and descriptive statistics were analyzed.Results: A total of 86 surgeons completed the survey during the period of data collection; 84.9% were men, more than half were 45 years or older and 40.6% were in practice for 10 years or more. More than 66% of respondents reported a musculoskeletal disorder that was related to work; the most common was low back pain (29.3%). The number of body regions involved and disorders diagnosed was associated with increasing age and number of years in practice (p = 0.033). Time off work owing to these disorders was associated with working in a private setting (p = 0.045) and working in more than 1 institute (p = 0.009). Conclusion:To our knowledge, our study is the first to report a high percentage of orthopedic trauma surgeons sustaining occupational injuries some time in their careers. The high cost of management and rehabilitation of these injuries in addition to the related number of missed work days indicate the need for increased awareness and implementation of preventive measures.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons: an OTA survey

Al-Qahtani

Alzahrani

Harvey

2016

cjs

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“…[6][7][8] As a group, the surgeons subjectively noted less neck strain and fatigue using VITOM compared with traditional magnifying loupes alone; however, this finding is limited by lack of objective measures to better quantitate these potential differences. Based on previous studies using VITOM, we speculate that the decreased neck strain and fatigue is the result of improved ergonomics throughout the operations that enabled the surgeon to stand straight upright for hours in a comfortable position, thereby decreasing the need to lean or bend the neck to maintain magnifying loupe focus.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Although these magnifying instruments are essential to the optimal care of our patients, they often come at a detriment to the operating surgeon in the form of neck or back pain and fatigue. Furthermore, neck pain, back pain, and fatigue have been studied in multiple surgical disciplines, [6][7][8] but these factors, however, have not yet studied among pediatric surgeons. Drawbacks of traditional magnifying loupes include poor neck posture and frequent head movement to refocus the view, in addition to the inability to share the magnified visual field with surgical residents and assistants.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of a Video Telescopic Operating Microscope (VITOM) for Pediatric Surgery and Urology: A Preliminary Report

Frykman

Duel²,

Gangi³

et al. 2013

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques

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Introduction: Optical magnification is an essential tool in the practice of pediatric surgery. Magnifying loupes are the most frequently used instrument, although their use often comes at the expense of neck pain experienced by the operating surgeon. Recent advances have led to the development of a compact video microscope (VITOM Ò ; Karl Storz Endoscopy GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany) that displays high-definition magnified images on a flat screen. This study was designed to evaluate VITOM as a potential substitute for loupes in complex open pediatric procedures and to explore VITOM as an effective intraoperative teaching modality for open surgery. Subjects and Methods: Three surgeons used the VITOM II exoscope in 20 operations: 14 hypospadias repairs, 2 inguinal hernia repairs, 1 sacrococcygeal teratoma resection, 1 recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula repair, and 2 additional procedures. Surgeons, trainees, and surgical technicians subjectively evaluated image quality; surgeons evaluated handling of VITOM, degree of neck strain, and fatigue. Three midlevel surgical trainees assessed the VITOM potential for teaching value. Overall impressions of each group and consensus opinions were generated. Results: All procedures were completed without complication. The consensus opinion of the entire group was that image quality was excellent. The surgeons found VITOM easy to use, and all agreed that neck strain and fatigue were reduced. Surgical trainees felt that VITOM imaging aided in their understanding of procedures and anatomy. Surgical technicians perceived improved operation flow through better visualization of the procedure. Conclusions: VITOM provides excellent visualization of pediatric operations with improved surgeon comfort and may serve as a substitute for loupes. Secondarily, we found enhanced trainee learning and potential improvement in the flow of surgical procedures. Further study of VITOM with a larger sample size and validated tools is needed.

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“…In addition, Szeko et al, (2009) noted that the likelihood of musculoskeletal pain was closely related to the number of years worked in laparoscopic surgery [2]. In contrast, Sari et al (2010) found that musculoskeletal symptoms were more prevalent in surgeons with less experience [3], while Soueid et al (2010) found that such symptoms were often experienced at an early age [4]. Park et al (2010) however found no relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and age [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The trainees’ pain with laparoscopic surgery: what do trainees really know about theatre set-up and how this impacts their health

Quinn

Moohan

2014

Gynecol Surg

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Although it is clear that laparoscopic surgery is beneficial to the patient, such surgery brings with it unique challenges and possible injury to the surgeon. Firstly, we sought to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal distress experienced by trainees. Secondly, we sought to ascertain if the trainees had received appropriate instruction to optimise their operative environment during laparoscopic surgery. An anonymised questionnaire survey was distributed to all 89 trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology within Northern Ireland. Forty-four (83 %) trainees reported to having received formal instruction in theatre layout and operating body position. However, only 8 (15 %) were aware of the ideal operating surface height, and 6 (11 %) knew the ideal monitor position, while 11 (20 %) and 7 (13 %) knew the correct angles for grasping and suturing tissue, respectively. Eightyfive percent of trainees suffered some form of musculoskeletal distress with back, shoulder and neck pain the most common areas affected. Eyestrain was reported by 1/3 of trainees. Although no trainees required sick leave, one in three required regular analgesia, physiotherapy or alternative therapies. It is clear that current training has not addressed operating ergonomics sufficiently, and this is having a significant impact on trainees' health.

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The pain of surgery: Pain experienced by surgeons while operating

Abstract: Many surgeons will experience pain while operating due to positioning or the instruments they use, however there are no guidelines from occupational health departments or training courses to help minimise these symptoms.

Cited by 155 publications

References 4 publications

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons: an OTA survey

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons: an OTA survey

Evaluation of a Video Telescopic Operating Microscope (VITOM) for Pediatric Surgery and Urology: A Preliminary Report

The trainees’ pain with laparoscopic surgery: what do trainees really know about theatre set-up and how this impacts their health

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