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Case Reports
. 2023 Nov 20;2023(11):rjad632.
doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjad632. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Factors affecting upper limb ergonomics in robotic colorectal surgery

Shing Wai Wong  1   2 , Zhen Hao Ang  1   2 , Ranah Lim  1 , Xiuling Jasmine Wong  1 , Philip Crowe  1   2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Factors affecting upper limb ergonomics in robotic colorectal surgery

Shing Wai Wong et al. J Surg Case Rep. .

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the factors which may influence suboptimal ergonomic surgeon hand positioning during robotic colorectal surgery (RCS). An observational study of 11 consecutive RCS cases from June 2022 to August 2022 was performed. Continuous video footage of RCS cases was analysed concurrently with video recordings of surgeon's hand positions at the console. The outcome studied was the frequency with which either hand remained in a suboptimal ergonomic position outside the predetermined double box outlines, as marked on the surgeon's video, for >1 min. Situations which resulted in poor upper limb ergonomics were dissection in the peripheral operating field location, left-hand use, use of the stapler, dissection of the main mesenteric blood vessels, and multi-quadrant surgery. Being aware of situations when suboptimal ergonomic positions occur can allow surgeons to consciously compensate by using the clutch or pausing to take a rest break.

What does this paper add to the literature?: The study is important because it is the first to look at factors which may influence poor upper limb ergonomics during non-simulated RCS. By recognizing these factors and compensating for them, it may improve surgeon ergonomics with resultant better performance.

Keywords: ergonomics; robotic colorectal surgery; upper limb disorders.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors confirms that there are no conflicts of interest to declare. None of the authors are recipient of external funding or grants. Ethics for this study was sought and granted by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District HREC, reference number: 2021/ETH11587.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Concurrent videotaping of intraoperative case and surgeon at the robotic console (with central position outline marked in red).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Average suboptimal ergonomic hand positions and 30-min operating time blocks.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Pattern of suboptimal ergonomic hand positions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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