Up to a fifth of surgeons in the UK (19%), U.S (20%) and Germany (15%) predict they are likely to retire early because of the physical strain of conducting minimal access surgical procedures, according to a survey of over 450 surgeons across Europe and the U.S. The survey, commissioned by CMR Surgical, recruited general, gynaecological and colorectal surgeons who regularly perform laparoscopic surgery, which is proven to reduce pain, scarring and patient recovery time.
Despite having proven benefits, minimal access techniques are not used in almost half of all cases worldwide with up to 6 million patients globally not receiving the benefits of this type of surgery. The technique can be difficult to conduct and physically grueling for a surgeon to do, where the surgeon stands in physically difficult positions to conduct procedures including hysterectomy, hernia-repair, and colectomy. The survey has revealed that 30% of surgeons experienced discomfort during surgery due to the awkward positions undertaken, with three in four surgeons having experienced back pain when performing laparoscopic surgery. In addition, up to 16% of surgeons have had to consult with a healthcare professional as a result of musculoskeletal injuries from conducting minimal access/keyhole procedures.
The physical strain of conducting minimal access procedures is further adding to an existing workforce crisis. Many health systems, including in the UK and the U.S, are facing chronic workforce shortages so prolonging the working life of a surgeon is pivotal to the continued delivery of sustainable healthcare. A recent study found that when it comes to the National Health Service, the biggest employer in Europe, over half (53%) of senior doctors (consultants) said that there was frequently gaps in-hospital medical cover that raises significant patient safety issues. The picture is similar in the U.S, with a study showing that by 2050 there will be a deficit of over 7,000 general surgeons.
There is a common misconception about what the peak working age is for a surgeon. The survey has revealed that 90% of surgeons surveyed believe surgeons reach the peak of their operating ability by the age of 54. However, studies have shown that the peak age for a surgeon is actually 55-60 years old.
According to the survey, one in five surgeons believes they will have to retire early, the equivalent to over 3,000 surgeons in the UK losing key experienced surgeons from health systems that are already stretched.
Commenting on the survey’s findings Adrian Park, MD, Professor of Surgery and Chairman at Anne Arundel Health System, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine said: “Surgeons of all stripes are reporting musculoskeletal pain and injuries as a result of going to work every day. It is hard to imagine that those responsible for any other workplace, let alone one where the stakes are so high, such as in surgery, would tolerate rates of “worker injury” such as are now being reported by surgeons. Surgeons need to be supported to conduct minimal access procedures sustainably in order to protect the future of the surgical workforce, for the benefit of surgeons, hospitals and most importantly, patients.”
It is unacceptable that to conduct laparoscopic surgery and offer its benefits to patients and healthcare providers, we neglect the impact this is having on the surgical workforce. Surgical robotics can play a role in extending surgical careers, by allowing surgeons to perform laparoscopic surgery with a choice of ergonomic solutions more typically found in offices across the world. With a workforce crisis facing health systems around the world, now is the time to act in order to protect our surgical workforce of the future. commented Mark Slack, Chief Medical Officer at CMR Surgical.
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves making small incisions in the patient's body and using a camera and specialized surgical instruments to perform the surgery. The technique is less invasive and results in fewer scars and incisions than traditional open surgery. However, laparoscopic surgery can be physically demanding, and many surgeons experience physical stress as a result. In this essay, we will explore the physical demands of laparoscopic surgery and how they can lead to early retirement for laparoscopic surgeons.
Physical Demands of Laparoscopic Surgery:
Laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions in the patient's body and using specialized surgical instruments to perform the surgery. The surgeon uses a camera to view the surgical site and manipulate the surgical instruments. The technique requires a high level of precision and accuracy and can be physically demanding for the surgeon.
One of the physical demands of laparoscopic surgery is the need for prolonged periods of standing. The surgeon must stand for long periods of time during surgery, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort. The physical demands of standing for long periods of time can lead to musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain and joint pain.
Another physical demand of laparoscopic surgery is the need for fine motor skills. The surgeon must have excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity to manipulate the surgical instruments with a high degree of precision. The physical demands of fine motor skills can lead to hand and wrist injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
The physical demands of laparoscopic surgery can also lead to visual strain. The surgeon must focus on a small screen during surgery, which can lead to eye strain and fatigue. The physical demands of visual strain can lead to vision problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Early Retirement of Laparoscopic Surgeons:
The physical demands of laparoscopic surgery can lead to early retirement for laparoscopic surgeons. A study conducted by the American College of Surgeons found that 20% of laparoscopic surgeons plan to retire early due to physical stress. The study also found that 62% of laparoscopic surgeons experience musculoskeletal problems, 55% experience hand and wrist injuries, and 42% experience visual strain.
Early retirement of laparoscopic surgeons can have a significant impact on the healthcare system. Laparoscopic surgery is a critical medical procedure that is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. The early retirement of laparoscopic surgeons can lead to a shortage of qualified surgeons and limit access to laparoscopic surgery for patients.
Preventing Early Retirement of Laparoscopic Surgeons:
Preventing early retirement of laparoscopic surgeons requires a multifaceted approach. One approach is to improve the ergonomics of the surgical environment. The surgical environment can be modified to reduce the physical demands of laparoscopic surgery, such as providing ergonomic chairs and footrests for surgeons, and adjusting the height of the surgical table to reduce strain on the surgeon's back.
Another approach is to provide training and education for laparoscopic surgeons. Surgeons can be trained in ergonomic techniques and provided with resources to help prevent injuries and manage physical stress. This can include exercises to strengthen the back and hands, as well as techniques for reducing visual strain.
Technology can also play a role in preventing early retirement of laparoscopic surgeons. New technologies, such as robotic surgery, can reduce the physical demands of laparoscopic surgery and make the procedure less physically demanding for surgeons. Robotic surgery involves using robots to perform surgery, which reduces the need for the surgeon to stand for long periods of time and reduces the physical demands of fine motor skills.
Conclusion:
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that is less invasive and results in fewer scars and incisions than traditional opensurgery. However, the physical demands of laparoscopic surgery can lead to early retirement for laparoscopic surgeons. The physical demands of standing for long periods of time, performing fine motor skills, and visual strain can lead to musculoskeletal problems, hand and wrist injuries, and vision problems. Early retirement of laparoscopic surgeons can have a significant impact on the healthcare system and limit access to laparoscopic surgery for patients.