Abstract
Background
With the expanding implementation of minimally invasive surgery, the operating team is confronted with challenges in the field of ergonomics. Visual feedback is derived from a monitor placed outside the operating field. This crossover trial was conducted to evaluate and compare neck posture in relation to monitor position in a dedicated minimally invasive surgery (MIS) suite and a conventional operating room.
Methods
Assessment of the neck was conducted for 16 surgeons, assisting surgeons, and scrub nurses performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in both types of operating room. Flexion and rotation of the cervical spine were measured intraoperatively using a video analysis system. A two-question visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire was used to evaluate posture in relation to the monitor position.
Results
Neck rotation was significantly reduced in the MIS suite for the surgeon (p = 0.018) and the assisting surgeon (p < 0.001). Neck flexion was significantly improved in the MIS suite for the surgeon (p < 0.001) and the scrub nurse (p = 0.018). On the questionnaire, the operating room team scored their posture significantly higher in the MIS suite and also indicated fewer musculoskeletal complaints.
Conclusions
The ergonomic quality of the neck posture is significantly improved in the MIS suite for the entire operating room team.
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Acknowledgments
We thank J. M. P. Collins for reviewing the text, B. Middel for advising on statistical methods, and the MCL Department of Medical Photography for creating the figures.
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van Det, M.J., Meijerink, W.J.H.J., Hoff, C. et al. Ergonomic assessment of neck posture in the minimally invasive surgery suite during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surg Endosc 22, 2421–2427 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-008-0042-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-008-0042-6