Work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in pediatric minimally invasive surgery: a multicentric survey comparing laparoscopic and sils ergonomy.

Surgeons are at risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMS). The present study aims to compare laparoscopy and SILS ergonomy among pediatric surgeons. METHODS: A questionnaire formed by 17 questions was mailed to 14 pediatric surgeons, seven with a large experience in laparoscopy and seven in SILS. All surgeons completed the survey. The questionnaires were focused on the type of laparoscopic or SILS activity, location and type of pain, need for drugs and its physical consequences. Results were analyzed using χ 2 test. RESULTS: Results indicated a similar incidence of WMS with shoulder symptoms (>75 %) in both groups. In laparoscopic group this pain is evident only after a long lasting procedure, while in SILS group the pain is present after each procedure performed. SILS surgeons used painkillers and other therapies statistically more frequently than laparoscopic group (χ 2 = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms there is a strong association between WMS and MIS surgery. The incidence of pain is similar in both groups. Pain was present only after long lasting procedures in laparoscopic group, while SILS surgeons have pain after each procedure performed. In addition SILS surgeons use more frequently painkillers and other therapies compared to laparoscopic surgeons. In conclusion, it seems that SILS has a worse ergonomy compared to laparoscopy.