Ergonomics in endoscopic sinus surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Awareness of ergonomics is growing into surgical specialties including otolaryngology. Most otolaryngologists experience occupational physical discomfort, and daily incorporation of standard ergonomic principles may alleviate some of this pain.

RECENT FINDINGS: Further demonstration of surgery-related physical discomfort has been documented based on surveys of general otolaryngologists and subspecialty rhinologists. One study utilized surface electromyography to document physical findings directly associated with the endoscopic sinus surgery procedure. However, relatively little work has been published on interventions to relieve task-related pain and body discomfort in rhinology.

SUMMARY: Surgeon fatigue and bodily injury is a surprisingly frequent occurrence and is more likely to occur in procedures that are mentally challenging, prolonged, and require the surgeon to operate in a fixed position. Endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeons appear particularly susceptible to task-related physical discomfort, and incorporation of ergonomic principles should be a priority.