A Global Survey of Ergonomics Practice Patterns and Rates of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Urologists Performing Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

PURPOSE Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) requires awkward body posture for long durations. Few urologists receive ergonomics training despite the availability of ergonomics best practices utilized by other surgical specialties. We characterize ergonomics practice patterns and rates of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among urologists performing RIRS. METHODS A web-based survey was distributed via the Endourological Society, the EAU, and social media. Surgeon anthropometrics and ergonomic factors were compared to ergonomics best practices. Pain was assessed with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). RESULTS Overall, 519 of 526 participants completed the survey (99% completion rate). Ninety-three percent of urologists consider ergonomic factors when performing RIRS to reduce fatigue (68%), increase performance (64%), improve efficiency (59%), and reduce pain (49%). Only 16% received ergonomics training. Residents/fellows had significantly lower confidence in ergonomic technique compared to attending surgeons of any career length. Adherence to proper ergonomic positioning for modifiable factors were highly variable. On NMQ, 12-month rates of RIRS-associated pain in ≥1 body part, pain limiting activities of daily living, and pain requiring medical evaluation were 81%, 51%, and 29%, respectively. Annual case volume >150 cases (OR 0.55 [0.35-0.87]) and higher adherence to proper ergonomic techniques (OR 0.67 [0.46-0.97]) were independently associated with lower odds of pain. Limitations include a predominantly male cohort which hindered the ability to assess gender disparities in pain and ergonomic preferences. CONCLUSION Adherence to ergonomics best practices during RIRS is variable and may explain high rates of MSK pain among urologists. These results underscore the importance of utilizing proper ergonomic techniques and may serve as a framework for establishing ergonomics guidelines for RIRS.

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