Visual symptoms, Neck/shoulder problems and associated factors among surgeons performing Minimally Invasive Surgeries (MIS): A comprehensive survey

Purpose Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is demanding on the musculoskeletal and visual systems. Prevalence, severity and association of neck/shoulder problems and visual symptoms were examined among MIS surgeons. The associations of workplace and individual factors with these symptoms independently and combined were also examined. Methods MIS surgeons completed a comprehensive online survey inclusive of 52 questions about individual and workplace physical factors, neck/shoulder problems and visual symptoms. Binary logistic regression models were conducted to determine the associations of the neck/shoulder problems, visual symptoms and combined symptoms with workplace and individual factors. Results 290 surgeons completed the survey. Neck/shoulder problems and visual symptoms were reported by 31.0% and 29.0%, respectively, 15.5% reported both problems. The prevalence and severity of neck/shoulder problems and visual symptoms were significantly associated (p < 0.001). Several workplace and individual factors were associated with these symptoms (p <= 0.05). Conclusions Several factors in the workplace environment (temperature, asymmetrical weight bearing and forward head movement) and individual (being female and wearing vision correction glasses) were significantly associated with neck/shoulder problems and visual symptoms. Evaluation of different strategies to minimise the strain on the neck/shoulder region and the visual system is required.

Automated summary

Among MIS surgeons, 31.0% reported neck/shoulder problems, 29.0% reported visual symptoms, and 15.5% reported both. There were significant associations between the prevalence and severity of neck/shoulder problems and visual symptoms, as well as with workplace and individual factors. Factors such as temperature, asymmetrical weight bearing, forward head movement, being female, and wearing vision correction glasses were significantly associated with these symptoms. Further evaluation of strategies to minimize strain on the neck/shoulder region and visual system is necessary.