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S U R G E O N
E R G O N O M I C S
ergonomically beneficial angles at which surgeons hold instruments.
HANDLING THE PROBLEM
Instrument design contributes to ergonomic issues, but could also be
a key to the solution.
Monitor positions
Even though the visual presentation of information is the most important factor in video-assisted surgery, many surgeons don't take the time to properly position monitors so they're looking down and straight ahead, not up and to the side, while operating. Perhaps they're resigned to the fact that surgery is physically demanding, they want to start cases as soon as possible or they don't think about how the room setup can impact their overall comfort. Make sure they realize the preventative value of spending just a few minutes to position monitors — which are easier than ever to maneuver thanks to articulating arms attached to imaging carts or boom systems — 15° to 25° degrees below their eye level and straight in front of them.
Placing the OR table at a 30° to 45° angle to the anesthesia provider lets staff place monitor carts and imaging equipment at the head of the bed, straight in front of the surgeon, in the prime viewing spot. Alternatively, keeping the table in line with the anesthesia provider demands hanging monitors from boom systems, in the surgeon's direct line of sight, so he won't spend several hours looking off at an angle. OSM
Dr. Berguer (rberguer@yahoo.com) is a general surgeon at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif.
