BACKGROUND: Surgeons are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. STUDY DESIGN: This study was designed to identify risk factors and assess intraoperative physical stressors using subjective and objective measures, including type of procedure and equipment used. Wearable sensors and pre-and postoperation surveys were analyzed. RESULTS: Data from 116 cases (34 male and 19 female surgeons) were collected across surgical specialties. Surgeons reported increased pain in the neck, upper, and lower back both during and after operations. High-stress intraoperative postures were also revealed by the real-time measurement in the neck and back. Surgical duration also impacted physical pain and fatigue. Open procedures had more stressful physical postures than laparoscopic procedures. Loupe usage negatively impacted neck postures. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the fact that musculoskeletal disorders are common in surgeons and characterizes surgeons' intraoperative posture as well as surgeon pain and fatigue across specialties. Defining intraoperative ergonomic risk factors is of paramount importance to protect the well-being of the surgical workforce.
Over half of privately insured patients undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer will visit the ED within 12 months of diagnosis. Within this group, we identify common factors for a high-risk subset of patients with three or more ED visits who account for over half of all ED visits and a third of all admissions. These patients could potentially be targeted with alternative management strategies in the outpatient setting.
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