Max Wohlauer1, Dawn M Coleman2, Malachi G Sheahan3, Andrew J Meltzer4, Brian Halloran5, Susan Hallbeck6, Samuel R Money7. 1. Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo. Electronic address: max.wohlauer@ucdenver.edu. 2. Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. 3. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, La. 4. Division of Vascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Ariz. 5. Department of Surgery, Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich. 6. Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn; Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. 7. Department of Surgery, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, La.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Work-related pain and disability have been reported in the literature among surgeons. This national survey was designed to identify the prevalence and severity of these symptoms in vascular surgeons. METHODS: A survey was emailed to the 2910 members of the Society for Vascular Surgery. Physical pain was evaluated based on body part, and type of vascular procedure performed using the Borg 0 to 10 pain scale. Wellness questions were also queried. RESULTS: A total of 775 of Society for Vascular Surgery members responded, with a 26.6% response rate. Retirees were excluded from the study (n = 39). Among those actively working (n = 736), surgeons have been practicing surgery, on average, for 17.2 ± 11.6 years, with a mean age of 51.4 ± 10.9 years, and 83.6% are male. After a full day of open surgery, the majority of the responding vascular surgeons are in a moderately strong amount of pain (mean score, 4.4 ± 2.3). After a full day of endovascular procedures, most vascular surgeons are in a moderately strong amount of pain (mean score, 3.9 ± 2.4). Pain after open surgery is greatest in the neck, and after endovascular surgery pain is highest in the lower back. Surgeons performing endovenous procedures demonstrated the lowest pain scores (2.0 ± 2.0). In total, 36.9% (242/655, 81 missing responses) have sought medical care for work-related pain, with 8.3% (61/736) taking time away from the operating room. Of those, 26.2% (193/736) report pain severe enough that it interferes with sleep. Seventy-two (10%) required surgery or other significant medical procedures. Of the 39 retirees, 26% ended their careers owing to physical disabilities from work-related pain. Out of the entire cohort, 52.7% (334/633,103 missing responses) feel that physical discomfort will affect the longevity of their careers. Additionally, we found that high work-related physical discomfort is significantly associated with burnout (burnout vs no burnout; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the majority of practicing vascular surgeons responding to the survey are in pain after a day of operating. Addressing work-related pain serves to improve the lives and careers of vascular surgeons and enhance surgical longevity.
OBJECTIVE: Work-related pain and disability have been reported in the literature among surgeons. This national survey was designed to identify the prevalence and severity of these symptoms in vascular surgeons. METHODS: A survey was emailed to the 2910 members of the Society for Vascular Surgery. Physical pain was evaluated based on body part, and type of vascular procedure performed using the Borg 0 to 10 pain scale. Wellness questions were also queried. RESULTS: A total of 775 of Society for Vascular Surgery members responded, with a 26.6% response rate. Retirees were excluded from the study (n = 39). Among those actively working (n = 736), surgeons have been practicing surgery, on average, for 17.2 ± 11.6 years, with a mean age of 51.4 ± 10.9 years, and 83.6% are male. After a full day of open surgery, the majority of the responding vascular surgeons are in a moderately strong amount of pain (mean score, 4.4 ± 2.3). After a full day of endovascular procedures, most vascular surgeons are in a moderately strong amount of pain (mean score, 3.9 ± 2.4). Pain after open surgery is greatest in the neck, and after endovascular surgery pain is highest in the lower back. Surgeons performing endovenous procedures demonstrated the lowest pain scores (2.0 ± 2.0). In total, 36.9% (242/655, 81 missing responses) have sought medical care for work-related pain, with 8.3% (61/736) taking time away from the operating room. Of those, 26.2% (193/736) report pain severe enough that it interferes with sleep. Seventy-two (10%) required surgery or other significant medical procedures. Of the 39 retirees, 26% ended their careers owing to physical disabilities from work-related pain. Out of the entire cohort, 52.7% (334/633,103 missing responses) feel that physical discomfort will affect the longevity of their careers. Additionally, we found that high work-related physical discomfort is significantly associated with burnout (burnout vs no burnout; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the majority of practicing vascular surgeons responding to the survey are in pain after a day of operating. Addressing work-related pain serves to improve the lives and careers of vascular surgeons and enhance surgical longevity.