Impact of novel lightweight disposable gastroscope and duodenoscope on endoscopist muscle activation: a comparative study

Abstract

Background and Aims

Musculoskeletal injuries are common among endoscopists, and reducing the endoscope weight is considered to be a preventive measure. We aimed to assess the impact on muscle activation of recently developed lightweight gastroscopes and duodenoscopes, compared with standard endoscopes in a 2-part study.

Methods

In the first part, 14 participants performed a protocol using a lightweight disposable and a standard reusable gastroscope in a random order. The protocol constituted of 3 equal working blocks with repetitive and standardized movements. In the second part, 15 endoscopists used a lightweight disposable and a reusable duodenoscope in an artificial model and at rest. For both protocols, the subjects wore a sleeve with embedded superficial electromyographic sensors on the left arm.

Results

Wrist flexor muscle activation was significantly lower when using the lightweight single-use endoscopes during the protocol tasks (P < .05). The extensor muscles were also significantly less activated while using the single-use gastroscope (P < .05), but there was no difference when using the duodenoscopes.

Conclusions

Standardized operation with lightweight endoscopes reduces the load on the left forearm muscles and favors muscle rest compared with heavier standard endoscopes. These improvements in user ergonomics may aid in preventing or delaying the development of tremor, fatigue, and injuries.