Poor op practice harms surgeons
By Olive Carterton
Surgeons are facing early retirement and even spinal operations due to poor self-care while in operating theatres, a study has found.
It highlighted a lack of awareness surrounding musculoskeletal disorders in surgical staff, caused by poor posture in the operating room – and the impact on the personal lives of surgeons and hospital departments.
The study – A Multi-Centre Review of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Surgical Staff – was presented by junior doctor Rohan Bassi at the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) annual conference.
Dr Ruth Waters
BAPRAS president and consultant plastic surgeon Ms Ruth Waters said: ‘The presentation highlighted the importance of looking after surgeon and surgical staff well-being in the operating theatre.
‘It’s imperative that these issues are raised and addressed to preserve the health and well-being of our surgical workforce, ensuring they are able to perform their vital duties without being hindered by preventable MSK conditions.’
The presentation drew information from an audit at Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust, where MSK disorders accounted for 727 absence days over just one year.
Discomfort was most commonly felt only an hour into an operation and one-in-seven surgeons outlined concerns about the impact of the pain upon their concentration and performance.
Recurring suggestions from victims included:
Installing ergonomic seats for surgeons;
Improving the placement of patients and tables;
Providing advice on posture and relaxation;
Having hospital authorities offer physiotherapy and exercises to surgeons and surgical staff.
Study author Dr Bassi is calling for a raising of awareness and targeted training programmes to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal conditions, work absences and early retirements.
He said: ‘The extended duration of some procedures, which can last upwards of seven hours, and the requirement to maintain physically taxing positions can result in substantial strain to the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back.
‘There have been documented cases of surgeons being forced into early retirement due to preventable musculoskeletal disorders, as well as one surgeon having to undergo a spinal fusion surgery.’
One aspect of the study, developed in consultation with consultant plastic surgeon Mr Daniel Markeson, centred on evaluating the efficacy of raising awareness about the negative impacts of poor posture.
Information posters included illustrations of recommended exercises designed to counteract these effects and a physiotherapist’s tips presented at an academic and well-being day were well received by surgeons.
Dr Bassi added: ‘Implementing practices, such as engaging in brief stretching sessions every hour and monitoring the posture of surgical team members during procedures, can promote a culture of accountability within the surgical environment.
‘To raise awareness of the importance of addressing musculoskeletal health in surgery, it is crucial to provide relevant education and training to surgical staff during dedicated wellness sessions and academic half-days.
‘Proactively addressing the issue can help prevent the occurrence of an MSK disorder epidemic among surgical personnel.’
