Research Projects

The study aims to characterize the unique ergonomic challenges faced by surgeons performing laparoscopic surgery in a simulated setting. According to an international survey, 72% of laparoscopic surgeons suffer from work-related pain of 3 or higher intensity in a calendar year, and around 10% of MIS surgeons have stopped practicing due to work-related musculoskeletal injuries. To combat this growing pandemic, efforts must be made to minimize non-practicing surgeons in India. Microbreaks and exercises are essential within the operating room to mitigate this problem. To optimize these measures, it is crucial to comprehensively assess the ergonomic variables among surgeons. The study will involve thirty participants from different expertise levels, including trainees, early-career consultants, and senior consultants. Participants will be given advanced MIS tasks on a laparoscopic simulation trainer on a specified day, and variables such as work posture, muscle activation, pain, fatigue, discomfort, and workload will be assessed. Motion capture cameras will be used to evaluate work postures, rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) will be performed to determine ergonomic risk, and wireless surface electromyography (EMG) will be used to assess muscle activation. Validated surveys will be used to determine workload, pain, fatigue, and discomfort. Originary demands will be characterized to develop specific instructions for corrective measures. After introducing corrective measures, participants will perform the tasks on the laparoscopic simulation trainer at another time-point to enable feedback-based learning. This is the first comprehensive analysis of ergonomic challenges faced by surgeons from different levels of expertise while performing MIS.