Work Related Pain in Gynecologic Surgeons - A National Survey.

Abstract

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

Study design: Survey study.

Setting: The survey was electronically administered.

Participants: Gynecologic surgery subspecialists and fellows in training were included, as well as Ob/Gyn Specialists who perform gynecologic surgery.

Measurements: A 38-question anonymous survey was developed from available ergonomic literature and had three main sections 1) demographic information, 2) pain history and 3) ergonomic education.

Main results: 305 gynecologic surgeons participated. 76.7% identified as female. Most respondents were Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeons (64.6%) with a primary surgical modality of conventional laparoscopy (65.6%). 95.7% of respondents reported pain during or after surgery. Female surgeons (p = .018), shorter surgeons (OR = 2.4, 95% CI [1.1, 5.4]), and those with a smaller glove size (p = .025) were more likely to report severe pain. Surgeons who reported worse pain were more likely to seek treatment (p = .007) and take time off from operating (p < .001). 79.4% of respondents report engaging in a variety of interventions to treat surgery-related pain. Due to pain, 23.9% report changing surgical modality and 62.5% of surgeons are concerned about their ability to operate in the future. 61.3% of surgeons did not feel confident in their ability to ergonomically set up their operating room. 98.0% recommend formal ergonomic training for residents.

Conclusions: Surgeons are at risk for work-related pain. Gynecologic surgeons are an understudied population with specific ergonomic challenges. In this national survey of high-volume gynecologic surgeons of various subspecialities, we report a high rate of surgery-related pain, significant clinical and nonclinical sequelae of pain, and demonstrate a need for implementing and improving ergonomic training for Obstetrics and Gynecology trainees.