3 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 2 0
Do you know how
your surgeons really
feel after another
long day in the OR?
Many hide intense
physical pain from
enduring countless
surgeries — until
one day, they can no
longer perform sur-
gery. Marissa
Pentico, MS, OT/L,
CPE, wants that to change. As ergonomics coordinator at Duke
University's Occupational & Environmental Safety Office in
Durham, N.C., she spends an inordinate amount of time
researching surgeon comfort. She says surgical administrators
have numerous options available to reduce surgeons' ergonomic
risk factors, including work-practice modifications that require
minimal or zero financial investment. Some tips from Ms.
Pentico:
• Adjustable equipment to reduce awkward positions. That
goes for the stool, surgical microscopes and other equipment that
is used for prolonged periods. Add surgeons' preferred settings to
preference cards so equipment is properly set up before surgery.
•Alternating procedures. Holding an awkward position for a
long time can place tremendous strain on the body. Is it feasible
for surgeons to perform procedures equally well sitting and/or
COMFORT MEASURES
Simple Solutions Improve Surgeon Comfort
• BODILY HARM Laparoscopy is often positioned as an ergonomic upgrade for
surgeons, but its techniques and tools present their own potential for pain.
