Screen height as an ergonomic factor in laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Monitors of laparoscopy towers should be adapted to the surgeon's preferred screen height: at eye level frontally with a neutral or slight inclination of the cervical spine. The authors suggest a central screen height of 160 cm, with the monitor positioned in front of the surgeon. Newer equipment from the industry should be provided.

Optimizing laparoscopic task efficiency: the role of camera and monitor positions

“…Therefore, optimal laparoscopic performance is more likely to be achieved when a surgeon achieves appropriate triangulation of the instrument and camera ports. In addition, a surgeon can benefit from maintaining a visual-motor alignment, such that a straight line exists between the monitor, camera and the surgeonsÕ head and hands [7][8][9][10]. In reality, however, this set-up cannot always be realized.…”

“…Perceptual confusion may subsequently affect laparoscopic task efficiency. Several studies suggest that altered monitor and camera location in relation to the position of the surgeon may lead to sensory-motor disorientation with deleterious effects on laparoscopic task performance [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. The degree to which camera and monitor location may influence the performance of laparoscopic tasks, however, is not well established.…”

Ergonomics and GI endoscopy

“…A study of 8 laparoscopic surgeons found that the favored monitor position, when fixed at a distance of 120 cm, was achieved by placing the middle of the screen at approximately 20 cm lower than the height of the surgeon. 38 A randomized study of endoscopists, which compared a video headset versus a conventional video monitor, provides additional insight into optimal monitor height. 14 Image quality and comfort level were assessed with the 2 image display systems in 5 endoscopists during 96 colonoscopies.…”

Ergonomic Challenges Encountered by Laparoscopic Surgeons, Surgical First Assistants, and Operating Room Nurses Involved in Minimally Invasive Surgeries by Using RULA Method

“…The distance between the monitor and the surgeon's eye should also be set at 80 -120 cm to ensure both safety and comfort (5). Although ergonomic conditions in the operating room can be simply improved by setting the screen at a height lower than body height, the fixed position of the monitor on top of the trolley generally prevents its ideal adjustment (12). Moreover, the transferred force from instrument handles to the surgeon's hand can cause nerve lesions.…”