Surgeons’ fatigue in minimally invasive and open surgery: A review of the current literature

Abstract

Technological advancements have revolutionized surgical methods, with laparoscopic and robotic surgeries offering significant benefits over traditional open procedures. These benefits include reduced intraoperative blood loss, shortened hospital stays, faster recovery, and improved cosmetic outcomes. However, the learning curve for laparoscopic surgery remains a challenge. Robotic systems, like the da Vinci Surgical System, address many limitations of laparoscopic surgery, including limited range of motion and tremors, and offer superior ergonomics. Despite concerns over cost and tactile feedback, innovations like telesurgery and augmented reality are enhancing robotic surgery’s potential. Moreover, robotic surgery generally results in less blood loss, fewer complications, and quicker recovery compared to open surgery. Robotic surgery tends also to be less physically demanding for surgeons, reducing fatigue and musculoskeletal strain. However, research also reveals that many surgeons still experience discomfort, particularly in the neck and shoulders, emphasizing the need for ergonomic training and improved workstation setups. The review also explores the impact of pre-procedure fatigue on surgical performance, noting that fatigue can impair performance on surgical simulators, particularly among residents. Despite this, studies showed that performing consecutive surgeries in a single day does not appear to adversely affect patient outcomes. Overall, ergonomic interventions are crucial in both laparoscopic and robotic surgeries to enhance surgeon efficiency and well-being, and further research is needed to optimize these surgical methods and understand the long-term impacts of fatigue on performance and patient outcomes.