Muscular workload of veterinary students during simulated open and laparoscopic surgery: A pilot study*

Kilkenny, Jessica J.; Larson, Dennis J.; MacCormick, Mathew R. A.; Brown, Stephen H.M.; Singh, Ameet

doi:10.1111/vsu.12672

Cited by 7 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Minimally invasive surgery has been considered a risk factor for MSS. 8 16 17 20 In the present study, the prevalence of the discomfort (88%) associated with minimally invasive procedures is comparable to that in human surgeons. However, respondents in this survey reported discomfort more frequently after open procedures (94%) than minimally invasive surgeries.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 67%

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Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Veterinary Surgeons—A Cross-Sectional Survey

Kim

Simons

et al. 2023

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol

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Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in veterinary surgeons using an online survey. Methods An online survey was distributed to 1,031 diplomates of American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Responses were collected with data regarding surgical activities, experience with various types of MSS in 10 different body sites and attempts to reduce MSS. Results Two hundred and twelve respondents (21% response rate) completed the distributed survey in 2021. Ninety-three per cent of respondents had experienced MSS associated with surgery in at least one body part, with the neck, lower back and upper back frequently affected. Musculoskeletal discomfort and pain worsened with prolonged surgical hours. Forty-two per cent of them suffered from chronic pain persisting longer than 24 hours after surgeries. Musculoskeletal discomfort was common regardless of practice emphasis and procedure types. Forty-nine per cent of respondents with musculoskeletal pain had taken medication, 34% sought physical therapy for MSS and 38% ignored the symptoms. Over 85% of respondents showed more than some concern regarding career longevity due to musculoskeletal pain. Clinical Significance Work-related MSS are common in veterinary surgeons, and the results of this study warrant longitudinal clinical studies to determine risk factors and attention to workplace ergonomics in veterinary surgery.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 67%

“…However, little is known about work-related MSS in veterinary surgeons, though previous studies have examined the effect of laparoscopy. 16,17 Therefore, this study was performed to determine the prevalence of MSS in veterinary surgeons using an online survey.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Veterinary Surgeons—A Cross-Sectional Survey

Kim

Simons

et al. 2023

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol

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“…Exposure to minimally invasive surgery became a requirement of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2009, 1 as the proven benefits of these procedures became evident 2,3 . Historically, laparoscopic instruments have come in a standard size designed to fit the larger hand of a man, with an average glove size of 7.5 4–6 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although there have been studies investigating the challenges associated with laparoscopic instrument use for human surgeons with different physical attributes, there have been no such studies in veterinary medicine. While perceived difficulty does not equate to poor surgical skills or outcomes, data from this survey could alter laparoscopic instrument purchases, making laparoscopy safer for the veterinary patient, surgeon and increasing efficiency for surgical practices 3 . The objective of this study is to determine the impact of veterinary laparoscopic surgeon physical attributes on difficulties and preferences using laparoscopic instruments.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Variables affecting surgeons’ use of, and preferences for, instrumentation in veterinary laparoscopy

Smith

Buote

Sumner³

et al. 2023

Veterinary Surgery

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ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of variables on use and preference of common laparoscopic instruments.Study designOnline survey.Sample populationSurgeons (n = 140) with 3 years or more laparoscopic experience.MethodsElectronic survey distributed via specialty group LISTSERVEs and Facebook groups. Responses collected included surgeon attributes, preferences, and surgical practice data. Statistical analysis was performed using Fishers exact, ANOVA, Tukey Kramer honestly significant difference (HSD) test, linear regression, and logistic regression.ResultsNinety‐eight of 140 respondents answered instrument‐related questions and the completion rate of these questions was 76%: 48% of females and 49% of males responded to the survey. The median glove size of respondents was size 7 (range, 5.5 to 8.5). Closing laparoscopic Babcock forceps (p = .018), rotating cup biopsy forceps (p = .003), and manipulating endoscopic staplers (p < .001) were more difficult for surgeons with smaller glove sizes. The median difficulty score for the endoscopic stapler was 4/10 and the median percentage of time this was found difficult was 25%. Reusable instruments were preferred over disposable single‐use instruments. The pistol grip was preferred for grasping and retracting (54/98, 55%) and fine dissection (46/96, 48%), while the axial grip was preferred for suturing and knot tying (61/98, 62%).ConclusionSurgeons with smaller glove sizes (<6.5) experience more difficulty when using common laparoscopic instruments. The endoscopic stapler was the most difficult to use.Clinical significanceWhen purchasing laparoscopic instrumentation, surgeons should review all available options in handle size and design to improve ergonomics during minimally invasive procedures.

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“…It seems essential for the veterinary profession to reduce the hazards of MDP because of physical and emotional workloads, but the best approach for prevention and recovery remains unknown, and studies show ambiguous results [22][23][24][25]. A combination of targeted measures that include workplace organization and modification, physical training tailored to the job, and workplace-specific ergonomics may promise some relief for veterinarians [5,7,26]. Moreover, education in young veterinarians and veterinary students should also focus on the development of personal resources, e.g., self-efficacy, as it can beneficially affect their well-being [27,28].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health Promotion for Students of Veterinary Medicine: A Preliminary Study on Active Microbreaks and Ergonomics Education

Grünwald

Licka

2023

Animals

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Occupational hazards, such as psychosocial stressors, physical injuries from human–animal interactions, and physically demanding work tasks, are common in the veterinary profession, and musculoskeletal discomfort and pain (MDP) may already be present in veterinary undergraduates. This preliminary study investigates the effects of very short, active interventions, called microbreaks, in 36 veterinary students. At the start, participants had a high prevalence of MDP, especially in the neck and lower back. Within a 12-week observational period, 6 weeks of active intervention comprised teaching microbreaks (nine strengthening, stretching, and relaxation exercises; 30–90 s each) and a weekly veterinary-specific ergonomics education and discussion. After the intervention, participants reported fewer painful body regions and an increase in their self-efficacy in potentially painful, risky, or dangerous human–animal interactions. After the 12-week observational period, participants had increased self-efficacy in the maintenance of physical health and self-protection but decreased self-efficacy in healing injuries after veterinary human–animal interactions. Participants felt to have increased and decreased control over dangerous situations with dogs and horses, respectively, although self-efficacy in handling horses increased. Participants integrated microbreaks well into their undergraduate activities and rated the topic relevant to their (later) profession. This should encourage the inclusion of similar programs in undergraduate curricula.

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Muscular workload of veterinary students during simulated open and laparoscopic surgery: A pilot study*

Abstract: In veterinary students, average muscle activity and perceived workload were highest using MLS and SLS compared to an open surgical technique when performing simulated surgical exercises in a laparoscopic box trainer.

Cited by 7 publications

References 37 publications

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Veterinary Surgeons—A Cross-Sectional Survey

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Veterinary Surgeons—A Cross-Sectional Survey

Variables affecting surgeons’ use of, and preferences for, instrumentation in veterinary laparoscopy

Health Promotion for Students of Veterinary Medicine: A Preliminary Study on Active Microbreaks and Ergonomics Education

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