Marc Brozovich, MD, FACS, FASCRS, an associate professor of sur-
gery at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, is a general surgeon
who performs a large number of colorectal surgeries. "Operating with-
in the pelvis cavity is difficult enough as it is, without having difficulty
seeing," he says.
While he feels surgical headlights are useful, he prefers not to use
them. "I don't like wearing a headlamp — it gives me a headache," he
says. "Also, I find that the headlight is always a little bit off, where I'm
looking isn't where the light is, and I keep having to readjust it."
Dr. Brozovich therefore uses lighted retractors and suction. He
lauds their inexpensiveness, precision and illumination. The light is
soft yellow or bright white, depending on the instrument he uses; he
says both types of light are appropriate for his purposes and doesn't
express a preference, although your surgeons might.
One criticism Dr. Brozovich has of the lighted retractor he uses is
that "it can get really hot where the light cord plugs into the lighted
instrument, and at the tip of the light on the lighted instrument," such
that it could actually burn skin or tissue.
Overhead lighting can create shadows over the surgical site and,
although it can be generally adjusted to different positions, it can't be
focused or intensified with exact precision over or into a very small or
deep area.
Surgical headlights can greatly improve this situation, but they can
have their own downsides. Headbands can slip or become uncomfort-
able, and older models can get hot, or require connection to a power
source. Headlights also can cause the surgeon and staff to posture
themselves awkwardly, which can lead to ergonomic issues and possi-
bly even repetitive strain injuries. And they can be difficult to position
as precisely as the surgeon may like. Overall, surgical headlights
remain excellent tools, but they might not be as effective as some sur-
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