A Review of the Ergonomic Issues in the Laparoscopic Operating Room
- 1 December 2012
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Hindawi Limited in Journal of Healthcare Engineering
- Vol. 3 (4), 587-604
- https://doi.org/10.1260/2040-2295.3.4.587
Abstract
This review paper discusses the ergonomic challenges associated with laparoscopy in the operating room (OR) and summarizes the practical ergonomic solutions. The literature search was conducted in the fields of laparoscopy and applied ergonomics. Findings indicated that laparoscopic OR staff (surgeons, perioperative nurses and technicians) commonly experienced physical and mental ergonomic risks while working in prolonged static and awkward body positions. This study highlighted the need for more ergonomic interventions in OR environment in order to improve the efficiency of laparoscopy. Ergonomic solutions included utilizing adjustable equipment, placing computer peripherals in optimal locations, providing ergonomic instruments, and improving communication. Understanding the job- or task-related ergonomic risks and hazards could help identify intervention requirements to meet the challenges associated with increased dependency on advanced high technology in the ORKeywords
This publication has 69 references indexed in Scilit:
- Surgeons’ Static Posture and Movement Repetitions in Open and Laparoscopic SurgeryJournal of Surgical Research, 2012
- The Impact of the Alexander Technique on Improving Posture and Surgical Ergonomics During Minimally Invasive Surgery: Pilot StudyJournal of Urology, 2011
- Training and Working in High-Stakes Environments: Lessons Learned and Problems Shared by Aviators and SurgeonsSurgical Innovation, 2009
- Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in SurgeonsJournal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 2009
- Problems with technical equipment during laparoscopic surgerySurgical Endoscopy, 2007
- Screen height as an ergonomic factor in laparoscopic surgerySurgical Endoscopy, 2005
- Does violence still occur in the OR?AORN Journal, 2004
- Performing laparoscopic surgery is significantly more stressful for the surgeon than open surgerySurgical Endoscopy, 2001
- A comparison of forearm and thumb muscle electromyographic responses to the use of laparoscopic instruments with either a finger grasp or a palm graspErgonomics, 1999
- The Application of Ergonomics to the General Surgeons' Working EnvironmentReviews on Environmental Health, 1997