Original Article

A descriptive study of laparoscopic ergonomics: operating table height and its prediction

A Prem Kumar, S Sindhu and Meenakshi Yeola
World journal of Minimal Access Surgery 2019, 7:1

Abstract

Introduction

Laparoscopic surgery inconveniences surgeons by restricting their freedom of movement, causing prolonged static body postures, extreme joint positions and repetitive movements, leading to health issues among surgeons. These can be minimised by critical ergonomic adjustments. Better application of the knowledge of principles of ergonomics will provide better surgeon comfort and thus better patient results. This study aims to determine the ideal height of the operating table with respect to surgeons’ height, for maximum comfort and least strain.

Study Design

Descriptive study

Materials and methods

0 surgeons were included in the study. Heights of the tables at which they were comfortable operating and using endotrainers were measured and was tabulated against their heights. The ratio of operating table height to the surgeon’s height was calculated. Pearson coefficient was used to determine the relationship between OT (operating theatre) table height and surgeons’ height.

Results

The maximum surgeon height was 185cm and the least was 154 cm (mean = 169.47cm;SD= 8.41). The maximum height of the OT table used was 88 cm and the least was 67cm, (mean = 75.57 cm; SD= 5.91). A linear correlation was noted between surgeons’ heights and OT table height. OT table height can be predicted with the surgeon’s height by using the formula:

OT table height = -0.199+ 0.45 x surgeon’s height

Conclusion

he OT table should ideally be placed below the level of the surgeon’s umbilicus for maximum comfort. The height can be predicted, and this is to be applied by the surgeons in order to produce least strain and to provide maximum comfort.

KEYWORDS

OT table height, ergonomics, surgeons’ height

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