geons tend to be shorter and smaller, and therefore have hand and
wrist issues from trying to manipulate instruments traditionally
designed for their male counterparts. She also finds it difficult to
rotate the knobs on flexible endoscopes with one hand.
"Just today," she says, "I was operating with an automatic stapler and
couldn't rotate the device with a single hand, as it's designed to do. There
was too much resistance."
Thankfully, she says, companies are designing more ergonomic sur-
gical tools, including various sized grips — to accomodate different
hand spans (tip of the pinky to the tip of the thumb) and strengths —
that can be attached to modular instrumentation. That means you
don't have to buy an entirely new set of instruments for surgeons with
smaller hands, says Dr. Sutton.
The makers of ophthalmic instruments make extended versions of
standard instrumentation for surgeons with large hands or thick fin-
gers, points out Dr. Jarstad. He also points out that shorter ophthal-
mologists can place microscope and phaco machine foot pedals on a
raised platform so they're easier to reach.
Keeping in shape
Surgeons are very good at concentrating on the task at hand and
ignoring the physical pain they're feeling. That attitude, thankfully, is
changing.
"We gear up for the surgery, much like athletes do for the big game,
and decompress when it's over," says Dr. Jarstad, who visits a sports
massage therapist and trains to handle the rigors of surgery. He's
mindful to take care of his body through proper diet, regular exercise
and rest. "I encourage other surgeons to do the same," he says. "Those
things certainly helped to extend my career."
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