title: Ergonomic evaluation of a mechanical anastomotic stapler used by Japanese surgeons.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The satisfaction rating of currently available mechanical staplers for Japanese surgeons with small hands is low. To identify the issue, we examined the relationship of hand dimensions and grip force with the operation force of a mechanical circular stapler.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hand dimensions and grip force were measured in 113 Japanese surgeons (52 men and 61 women). We then evaluated the relationship between grip width and the operation force required to push the lever of the stapler, at three points on the lever, using a digital force gauge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The optimal grip width of the dominant hand was 62.5 ± 8.5 mm for men and 55.5 ± 5.9 mm for women (p < 0.001). The maximum grip force of the dominant hand was 44.2 ± 6.1 kg for men and 29.7 ± 4.5 kg for women (p < 0.001) and the maximum operation force required to push the lever 7.0, 45.0, and 73.0 mm from the end of the lever was 21.8, 28.6, and 42.4 kg, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To our knowledge, this is the first ergonomic study of a surgical stapler to be conducted in Asia. Firing the stapler by gripping the proximal side of the lever is physically impossible for most Japanese women surgeons since the required operation force exceeds the maximum grip force, which probably accounts for the stress perceived by these women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Osaka Kosei-Nenkin Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Emiko
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kono
authors.forename: Mitsunori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tada
authors.forename: Makiko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kouchi
authors.forename: Yui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Endo
authors.forename: Yasuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tomizawa
authors.forename: Tomoko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Matsuo
authors.forename: Sachiyo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nomura
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians; D010822:Physicians, Women; D013528:Surgical Staplers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000295:instrumentation*
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