Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among gynecologic surgeons performing laparoscopic procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

Musculoskeletal discomfort is associated with repetitive movements and constrained body positions. The current meta-analysis was performed to determine the global prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among gynecologic surgeons who perform laparoscopy.

METHODS

Sources included Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, and Google Scholar. Articles published between 1980 and 2022 were considered. Studies that assessed self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms were included. Relevant data were extracted and tabulated.

RESULTS

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. In a pooled sample of 1619 surgeons, the estimated prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70%-89%; I2 , 92%). Female sex was a risk factor, as identified by a pooled odds ratio of 4.64 (95% CI, 2.63-8.19; I2 , 0%) compared with male surgeons. Among surgeons who reported musculoskeletal symptoms, 30% (95% CI, 14%-52%; I2 , 95%) sought treatment and 3% (95% CI, 2%-6%; I2 , 0%) required work hour modifications.

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis provides preliminary evidence of a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among gynecologic laparoscopic surgeons. Future research is needed to explore the underlying risk factors and interventional strategies to mitigate this risk.