Screen height as an ergonomic factor in laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The increasing number of routinely performed laparoscopic operations causes the surgeons' "screen work" time to rise constantly. A new ergonomic workload on the surgeons' upper spine and shoulders is created as a result of the standard screen height position on top of the laparoscopy towers. METHODS: Eight surgeons in the authors' surgical department were evaluated for the inclination/reclination angle of their cervical spine when using the laparoscopy towers in the authors' department and also at their favorable screen height. RESULTS: The laparoscopy towers used in the authors' department made 3 degrees to 14 degrees reclination of the cervical spine necessary. The interviewed surgeons preferred a position of slight inclination, with a median of 160 cm measured from the central screen height to the floor. CONCLUSION: Monitors of laparoscopy towers should be adapted to the surgeon's preferred screen height: at eye level frontally with a neutral or slight inclination of the cervical spine. The authors suggest a central screen height of 160 cm, with the monitor positioned in front of the surgeon. Newer equipment from the industry should be provided.