Ergonomic problems associated with laparoscopy

Purpose: Failure to understand the ergonomics of laparoscopic surgery has a potential to pose health problems for the surgeons. This study was planned to assess the prevalence, significance, and awareness of ergonomic problem s associated with laparoscopy, Material and Methods: A questionnaire designed to assess the frequency and degree of physical discomfort practicing surgeons experienced and their awa reness of the responsible factors was distributed to approximately 350 atte ndees of the Live International Workshop and CME on Laparoscopic Urologic S urgery. The response sheets were analyzed. Results: Two hundred four attendees completed the questionnaire, of whom 13 1 were performing laparoscopic surgery (Group A). The rest (N = 73) were pr acticing only conventional surgery (Group B), The correct answer to the pic torial question, which tested the correct grip technique, was 81% and 56% i n Group A and B, respectively (P = 0.0003), Group A surgeons were significa ntly (P = 0.04) better at answering the questions on neurapraxia, There was a statistically significant (P = 0.004) increase in the frequency of finge r numbness and eye strain in Group A surgeons compared with Group B, Within Group A, finger numbness (P 0.03) and eye strain (P = 0.002) were signific antly greater in the junior laparoscopic surgeons than in senior laparoscop ic surgeons. Surgeons having <2 years of laparoscopic surgical experience w ere significantly more affected. Conclusions: Surgeons performing laparoscopy have significant ergonomic pro blems, especially finger numbness and eye strain. Junior laparoscopic surge ons and surgeons with <2 years of laparoscopic surgical experience are more affected.