Surgeon's Philosophy and Ergonomic Operating Position: Advancing Efficiency and Minimizing Fatigue During Microsurgery.

Microsurgery is technically demanding, treacherous, venturesome, and precarious. For the best outcomes, the surgeon's confidence, prudence, comfort, and relaxed body posture are crucial for controlling operator fatigue and preventing exhaustion. Often, the most critical and demanding parts of an operation occur hours into the case when fatigue has worn away the surgeon's patience and self-control-qualities required to pursue calculated and deliberate microsurgical movements. The following paper describes philosophies and strategies to advance an operator's efficiency and minimize fatigue.