Reducing Surgeon Fatigue Through Ergonomics: Importance and Benefits in Laparoscopic Surgeries

Cureus. 2024 Jul 27;16(7):e65530. doi: 10.7759/cureus.65530. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Abstract

Laparoscopy, despite enhancing surgical outcomes, presents ergonomic challenges, such as visual-motor axis dissociation and increased cognitive load, leading to inefficiency and fatigue. Ergonomics, optimizing tasks and environments to fit human capabilities, can address these issues by designing user-friendly instruments, improving surgeon positioning, and enhancing operating room setups. These interventions reduce suturing time, alleviate discomfort, and decrease musculoskeletal disorders among surgeons. Ergonomic training for surgical teams further minimizes risk factors and promotes better body mechanics. Prioritizing ergonomics in surgical environments may lead to improved patient outcomes, greater surgeon well-being, and increased job satisfaction, highlighting its critical importance in modern surgery.

Keywords: general surgery; laparoscopy; outcome; surgical ergonomics; training.

Publication types

  • Editorial