Frauke Fritze-Büttner1, Bettina Toth2, Astrid Bühren3, Katja Schlosser4, Stefanie Schierholz5, Beatrix Rumpel1, Paul C Helm6, Ulrike M M Bauer6, Maya Niethard7, Sarah Prediger8, Kristina Götzky9, Joachim Jähne9. 1. Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, Sana Klinikum Lichtenberg, Berlin, Germany. 2. Universitätsklinik für Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. 3. Praxis für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Honorary President of the German Association of Female Physicians, Murnau, Germany. 4. Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral, Endokrine und Gefäßchirurgie, Agaplesion, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Mittelhessen, Giessen, Germany. 5. Klinik für Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. 6. Kompetenznetz Angeborene Herzfehler e. V., Berlin, Germany. 7. Klinik für Tumororthopädie, Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch GmbH, Berlin, Germany. 8. III. Med. Klinik, Sektion Ausbildungsforschung, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. 9. Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, DIAKOVERE Henriettenstift, Hannover, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, not only the number of female medical students, but also of female surgeons increases. Simultaneously, younger generations take a closer look to their work-life balance. With this in mind, it seems necessary to evaluate the expectations of female surgeons in particular with respect to pregnancy during their surgical career. METHODS: Therefore, a nationwide survey was conducted in Germany from July to December 2016 under the auspices of the German Society of Surgery as well as the Professional Board of German Surgeons. The questionnaire involved 2,294 female surgeons and 1,843 complete records were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the analyzed answers, 62% of the women (n=781) were operating during pregnancy. The joy of surgery (91.6%), followed by team spirit (57.1%), were the main motivations to perform operations while pregnant. Operative activity decreased from 30.8% in the first 3 months of pregnancy to 21.5% during the last three months. Regarding the possible complaints, e.g., leg edema, back pain, premature labor and vaginal bleeding, there were no significant differences between the women with or without activity in the operating room. Sick leave due to pregnancy (1-10 days) was stated by 40.4% of respondents. CONCLUSION: Despite strong legal regulations for pregnant surgeons, the survey showed that most female surgeons are eager to operate despite their pregnancy. The results also demonstrate no significant differences regarding complications during pregnancy- or pregnant-dependent absence from work. Hospitals and surgical departments are asked to establish proper working conditions for pregnant surgeons and pregnancy should not be an obstacle for a career in surgery.
OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, not only the number of female medical students, but also of female surgeons increases. Simultaneously, younger generations take a closer look to their work-life balance. With this in mind, it seems necessary to evaluate the expectations of female surgeons in particular with respect to pregnancy during their surgical career. METHODS: Therefore, a nationwide survey was conducted in Germany from July to December 2016 under the auspices of the German Society of Surgery as well as the Professional Board of German Surgeons. The questionnaire involved 2,294 female surgeons and 1,843 complete records were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the analyzed answers, 62% of the women (n=781) were operating during pregnancy. The joy of surgery (91.6%), followed by team spirit (57.1%), were the main motivations to perform operations while pregnant. Operative activity decreased from 30.8% in the first 3 months of pregnancy to 21.5% during the last three months. Regarding the possible complaints, e.g., leg edema, back pain, premature labor and vaginal bleeding, there were no significant differences between the women with or without activity in the operating room. Sick leave due to pregnancy (1-10 days) was stated by 40.4% of respondents. CONCLUSION: Despite strong legal regulations for pregnant surgeons, the survey showed that most female surgeons are eager to operate despite their pregnancy. The results also demonstrate no significant differences regarding complications during pregnancy- or pregnant-dependent absence from work. Hospitals and surgical departments are asked to establish proper working conditions for pregnant surgeons and pregnancy should not be an obstacle for a career in surgery.
Authors: Erika L Rangel; Manuel Castillo-Angeles; Marguerite Changala; Adil H Haider; Gerard M Doherty; Douglas S Smink Journal: Am J Surg Date: 2018-07-24 Impact factor: 2.565