ting [square to] the patient,"
says Dr. Jarstad. He also raises
the OR table, allowing him to
sit up higher and extend his
legs, a posture that puts less
strain on his back. Plus, some
surgical microscope manufac-
turers offer ocular extensions,
allowing surgeons to operate in
a more upright posture with
their spines in a neutral position.
Placing video monitors in ergonomically advantageous positions
around the OR table also impacts surgeon posture. Monitors mounted
on floor-based towers are often placed at the foot of the bed, accord-
ing to Dr. Sutton. "And that would mean I'm constantly looking over
my left shoulder, putting strain on my neck and shoulders."
Boom-mounted monitors provide the versatility surgeons need to
operate in comfort. Dr. Sutton positions the center of a monitor on the
opposite side of the surgical site in a direct line with her nose, so she
can track the movement of her instruments on the screen without
turning her head.
She also steps on lifts to make sure her elbows are properly posi-
tioned, especially while operating on obese patients, who make up a
higher percentage of the patient population than when she was in
training. "Laparoscopic surgeons need to be able to comfortably
manipulate instruments with their elbows at their sides and hands
extended directly in front of them," she says.
Dr. Lidsky agrees. "Surgeons need to get the table low enough —
or themselves high enough — to relax the shoulders," he says,
"which offloads the wrists."
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 0 5
• SIT UP STRAIGHT Surgeons should understand subtle changes
in posture can significantly minimize the risk of injury and extend
their careers.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
