Urologist’s Fatigue and Discomfort in Different Body Regions After Performing Flexible Ureteroscopy

Abstract

Objective

To assess self-reported surgeon fatigue and discomfort in different body regions after performing flexible ureteroscopy.

Methods

An anonymous survey was designed and distributed among urologists and trainees in four hospitals. Participants rated their discomfort in different body and hand regions as well as overall fatigue before and immediately after each flexible ureteroscopy procedure they performed.

Results

The final working sample size was 45 unique surgeons (26 female and 19 male) completing 58 procedures. Respondents were 38.2 ± 14.7 years of age. Forty-two percent of respondents were male, 75% were right-hand dominant, and 25% reported existing musculoskeletal disorder. Urologists’ overall fatigue score significantly increased after ureteroscopy, but females had a significantly larger increase (female $\beta$: 1.74, P <.001; male $\beta$: 0.78, P = .017). Women experienced higher discomfort in neck, upper back, right shoulder, and right elbow than men. Across different hand regions, increased post-procedural discomfort was reported mostly in the thenar area (41.8%), followed by the hypothenar area (28.5%) and thumb area (27.9%).

Discussion

Urologists experience significant increase in overall fatigue and discomfort across most body and hand regions. Women seem to be disproportionally affected. Additional studies are needed to determine the causality of these findings and explore potential interventions aimed at reducing procedure-related discomfort among all urologists, especially women.