Work Related Musculoskeletal Injury Rate and Ergonomics in Endourology: A Global Survey

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) are frequent among urologists but often underrecognized, affecting both personal wellbeing and healthcare system efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related MSI and the correlation with anthropometric and work characteristics in endourology. Fifty-five endoscopists and nurses participated in a global online survey containing questions about anthropometrics, demographics, work and procedure characteristics. Work-related MSI were reported by 49% of respondents. No significant correlation was found between demographic, anthropometric or procedure characteristics and the occurrence of injuries (p>0.05). The most frequent affected areas were lower and upper back, wrist, and thumb. Prolonged procedural posture and repetitive movements were identified as the main contributing factors. Urologists performing more flexible than rigid or semi-rigid endoscopy reported a higher rate of upper back pain, while those sitting during the procedure reported a lower incidence of upper back MSI (p<0.05). 9% of participants had received ergonomic training. Limitations included the small number of nurses (n=2) and potential response bias. Our findings align with earlier studies, confirming a high work-related MSI prevalence among the urologists. This highlights the importance of implementing preventing measures before, during and after the procedures. Given the professional and economic consequences of work-related MSI, promoting ergonomic awareness is essential. Performing the procedure while sitting, use of two-piece lead aprons, pre-procedural warmups, and using light weight endoscope could improve urologist’s ergonomics and should be targeted in ergonomic training programs.

Keywords: Cystoscopy, Occupational Strain, Prevention, Ureteroscopy, Work Strain

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007484