Navigating Ergonomic Challenges in Pediatric Laparoscopy: Insights from Indian Surgeons.

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess the awareness and identify the issues faced by pediatric surgeons in India concerning laparoscopic ergonomics.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted by circulating a questionnaire consisting of 18 questions among pediatric surgical consultants and trainees in 2023. The questions were used to assess the musculoskeletal issues faced by the surgeons while operating and they included gender, height, experience, complexity of the procedure performed, position of the monitor, operating table height, length of instruments used, and health issues faced due to bad ergonomics.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Chi-square test, Pearson's score for correlation, ANOVA.

RESULTS

A total of 152 pediatric surgeons participated, of which 119 were males and 32 were females, with 96 (62%) working at a teaching institution. 73 (48%) were senior consultants with >10 years of experience. 79 (52%) performed advanced laparoscopic procedures. Neonatal surgeries (71%) were the most challenging. Fifty-four (36%) surgeons faced musculoskeletal illnesses. This was more prevalent among senior grade consultants (58%), female surgeons (50%), surgeons with heights between 155 and 175 cm (81.2%), surgeons older than 60 years (58%), and those performing advanced procedures (75%). Most participants (98%) were keen on improving their laparoscopic ergonomics. 140 (93%) surgeons noted that laparoscopic ergonomics was overlooked at their hospitals and 84 (56%) lacked institutional support for acquiring the necessary infrastructure.

CONCLUSION

Thirty-six percent of surgeons experienced musculoskeletal disorders while performing advanced procedures (75%), and height, female gender, and complexity of procedures were noted to have a positive correlation with the injury.