BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery has taken its toll on the physical well-being of surgeons. There have been many physical consequences for surgeons. However, few have been investigated, specifically for otolaryngologists performing endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES). The purpose of this study is to define the prevalence, quality, and severity of physical symptoms that otolaryngologists experience as they relate to the surgeons' use of ergonomically designed endoscopic instruments in endonasal surgery. METHODS: A 25-question survey was administered between September 2010 and March 2011 to practicing otolaryngologists. The questions addressed demographics, physical symptoms, ergonomics, and operating room environment. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Jonckheere-Terpstra statistics. RESULTS: Sixty-two surgeons responded with a median age of 36 years. Responders performed a median of 150 EESs per year and 37% had completed an endoscopic fellowship. The majority (77%) of responders had experienced physical discomfort or symptoms that they attributed to EES. Thirteen percent (13%) of those who had experienced symptoms felt that their symptoms were persistent. Only 23% of those experiencing symptoms had sought medical care. No significant associations were seen between surgeon age, number of cases, standing, or having adjustable video display with experiencing discomfort (all p > 0.49). Interestingly, fewer surgeons completing an endoscopic fellowship experienced discomfort (70% vs 82%, p = 0.35). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that 77% of physicians who regularly perform EES suffer physical discomfort or symptoms attributable to EES. As expanded endonasal procedures become more prevalent, additional data and ergonomic analysis are necessary to reverse this trend and reduce possible long-term damage for surgeons.
BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery has taken its toll on the physical well-being of surgeons. There have been many physical consequences for surgeons. However, few have been investigated, specifically for otolaryngologists performing endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES). The purpose of this study is to define the prevalence, quality, and severity of physical symptoms that otolaryngologists experience as they relate to the surgeons' use of ergonomically designed endoscopic instruments in endonasal surgery. METHODS: A 25-question survey was administered between September 2010 and March 2011 to practicing otolaryngologists. The questions addressed demographics, physical symptoms, ergonomics, and operating room environment. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Jonckheere-Terpstra statistics. RESULTS: Sixty-two surgeons responded with a median age of 36 years. Responders performed a median of 150 EESs per year and 37% had completed an endoscopic fellowship. The majority (77%) of responders had experienced physical discomfort or symptoms that they attributed to EES. Thirteen percent (13%) of those who had experienced symptoms felt that their symptoms were persistent. Only 23% of those experiencing symptoms had sought medical care. No significant associations were seen between surgeon age, number of cases, standing, or having adjustable video display with experiencing discomfort (all p > 0.49). Interestingly, fewer surgeons completing an endoscopic fellowship experienced discomfort (70% vs 82%, p = 0.35). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that 77% of physicians who regularly perform EES suffer physical discomfort or symptoms attributable to EES. As expanded endonasal procedures become more prevalent, additional data and ergonomic analysis are necessary to reverse this trend and reduce possible long-term damage for surgeons.
Authors: John S Schneider; Jessica Burgner; Robert J Webster; Paul T Russell Journal: Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Date: 2013-02 Impact factor: 2.064
Authors: Pier Paolo Mattogno; Filippo Marciano; Michael P Catalino; Davide Mattavelli; Paola Cocca; Nicola Francesco Lopomo; Piero Nicolai; Edward R Laws; Ian Witterick; Shaan M Raza; Anand K Devaiah; Liverana Lauretti; Alessandro Olivi; Marco M Fontanella; Fred Gentili; Francesco Doglietto Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base Date: 2021-05-17
Authors: Kuo Chen; Jin Zhang; Narasimha M Beeraka; Mikhail Y Sinelnikov; Xinliang Zhang; Yu Cao; Pengwei Lu Journal: J Clin Med Date: 2022-03-25 Impact factor: 4.241