Work Related Pain in Gynecologic Surgeons - A National Survey

Abstract

Study objective: This study aimed to: (1) ascertain the prevalence of work-related pain among gynecologic surgeons, (2) describe the risk factors and sequelae of pain, and (3) assess the need for an ergonomic curriculum.

Design: Survey study.

Setting: The survey was electronically administered.

Participants: Gynecologic surgery subspecialists and fellows in training, and Obstetrics and Gynecology specialists who performed gynecologic surgery were included.

Measurements and main results: A 38-question anonymous survey was developed from the available ergonomic literature and had 3 main sections: (1) demographic information, (2) pain history, and (3) ergonomic education. A total of 305 gynecologic surgeons participated in the study. Of these, 76.7% were female. Most respondents were Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeons (64.6%) with conventional laparoscopy as the primary surgical modality (65.6%). Of the respondents, 95.7% reported experiencing pain during or after surgery. Female surgeons (p = .018), shorter surgeons (OR = 2.4, 95% confidence interval [1.1, 5.4]), and those with a smaller gloves (p = .025) were more likely to report severe pain. Surgeons who reported worse pain were more likely to seek treatment (p = .007) and to take time off from operating (p <.001). Among the respondents, 79.4% reported engaging in various interventions to treat surgery-related pain. Due to pain, 23.9% reported changing the surgical modality, and 62.5% were concerned about their ability to operate in the future. Of the surgeons, 61.3% did not feel confident in their ability to set up their operating room ergonomically. 98.0% recommend formal ergonomic training for residents.

Conclusions: Surgeons are at risk of work-related pain. Gynecologic surgeons have been understudied and face specific ergonomic challenges. In this national survey of high-volume gynecologic surgeons of various subspecialties, we report a high rate of surgery-related pain and significant clinical and nonclinical sequelae of pain, and demonstrate the need to implement and improve ergonomic training for Obstetrics and Gynecology trainees.

Keywords: Gynecologic surgery; Physician well-being; Surgical education; Surgical ergonomics; Work-related pain.