Application of ergonomic guidelines during minimally invasive surgery: a questionnaire survey of 284 surgeons.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to obtain an answer for the question: Are ergonomic guidelines applied in the operating room and what are the consequences?


METHODS
A total of 1,292 questionnaires were sent by email or handed out to surgeons and residents. The subjects worked mainly in Europe, performing laparoscopic and/or thoracoscopic procedures within the digestive, thoracic, urologic, gynecologic, and pediatric disciplines.


RESULTS
In response, 22% of the questionnaires were returned. Overall, the respondents reported discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and back (almost 80%). There was not one specific cause for the physical discomfort. In addition, 89% of the 284 respondents were unaware of ergonomic guidelines, although 100% stated that they find ergonomics important.


CONCLUSIONS
The lack of ergonomic guidelines awareness is a major problem that poses a tough position for ergonomics in the operating room.
Wauben
L S G L
LS
Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Landbergstraat 15, 2628, CE, Delft, The Netherlands. l.s.g.l.wauben@tudelft.nl
van Veelen
M A
MA
Gossot
D
D
Goossens
R H M
RH
D000328:Adult; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009873:Operating Rooms; D010820:Physicians; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires