An Ergonomic Evaluation Of The Surgeon's Workstation In A Public Hospital Operating Room: "the Laparoscopy Case"

Abstract

Surgeons encounter significant professional constraints during operating room procedures, which not only affect their well-being but also compromise their health and potentially their performance. Surgeons are exposed to a multitude of occupational hazards, primarily represented by the risk of blood exposure accidents, biological hazards, chemical risks, psychosocial risks, and biomechanical stress. A study assessing surgeons' professional exposure to biomechanical limitations was carried out in a hospital located in the Algiers region. The aim of this investigation was to identify the current work environment and suggest appropriate enhancement strategies to maintain the well-being and security of the surgeons. The study concentrated on the function of a surgeon utilizing the laparoscopic approach in the operating room. Utilizing the REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) method, which is a tool for evaluating the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with biomechanical limitations, a study of the position was conducted. The research measured biomechanical risks, particularly uncomfortable postures, repetitive movements, and physical exertion. Inadequate positioning of surgical screens often leads the operator to adopt uncomfortable postures, promoting muscle fatigue and the risk of MSDs. Non-ergonomic tool handles increase pressure on the hands, while working in a prolonged standing position contributes to lower back fatigue. The upper limb is subjected to higher strain when one's arms are raised above the shoulders. The necessity for a set of guidelines for the ergonomic enhancement of the role was brought to light by this study.