Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Surgeons Performing Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Systematic Review. Issue 6 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alleblas, Chantal C. J.; de Man, Anne Marie; van den Haak, Lukas; Vierhout, Mark E.; Jansen, Frank Willem; Nieboer, Theodoor E.
• Is Part Of: Annals of surgery. Volume 266:Issue 6(2017:Dec.)
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: ergonomics -- minimally invasive surgery -- musculoskeletal disorders -- surgeons' health -- surgical performance -- systematic review; Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000002223
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4932

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The aim of this study was to review musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevalence among surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery. Background: Advancements in laparoscopic surgery have primarily focused on enhancing patient benefits. However, compared with open surgery, laparoscopic surgery imposes greater ergonomic constraints on surgeons. Recent reports indicate a 73% to 88% prevalence of physical complaints among laparoscopic surgeons, which is greater than in the general working population, supporting the need to address the surgeons' physical health. Methods: To summarize the prevalence of MSDs among surgeons performing laparoscopic surgery, we performed a systematic review of studies addressing physical ergonomics as a determinant, and reporting MSD prevalence. On April 15 2016, we searched Pubmed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsychINFO. Meta-analyses were performed using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method. Results: We identified 35 articles, including 7112 respondents. The weighted average prevalence of complaints was 74% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 65–83]. We found high inconsistency across study results (I 2 = 98.3%) and the overall response rate was low. If all nonresponders were without complaints, the prevalence would be 22% (95% CI 16–30). Conclusions: From the available literature, we found a 74% prevalence of physical complaints among laparoscopic surgeons. However, the low response rates and the high inconsistency across studies leave some uncertainty, suggesting an actual prevalence of between 22% and 74%. Fatigue and MSDs impact psychomotor performance; therefore, these results warrant further investigation. Continuous changes are enacted to increase patient safety and surgical care quality, and should also include efforts to improve surgeons' well-being. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text