Common Pediatric Otolaryngology Procedures: Ergonomic Considerations

Background Otolaryngologists in high-volume children’s hospitals developed their operating room workflow practices based on the factors of safety, efficiency, and surgeon preference. Recent data show important benefits and potential reduced risks of proper ergonomic positioning for surgeons to prevent injury. These data suggest that the current operating room workflow practices, in addition to prior training, should be monitored and hopefully improved for surgeons’ health. Surprisingly, recent studies have suggested the benefits of standing versus sitting on cognitive function. Objective This study reports the workflow norms for seven operating procedures in pediatric otolaryngology. We seek to identify 1) surgeon preferences, 2) when practices become norms, and 3) whether procedure positions are associated with surgeon discomfort or injury. Methods The Otolaryngology Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics was queried employing a 23-question survey. We included demographic information, reasons for preferences, and surgeon-reported pain. We focused on three workflow issues: 1) length of procedures, 2) site selection (operating room bed vs. transport stretcher), and 3) position of the surgeon (sitting vs. standing). Results Sixty-nine American Academy of Pediatrics members completed the survey. The length of the procedure had minimal effect, with 90% sitting for short procedures such as bilateral myringotomy with tubes, myringoplasty, tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy. All sit for direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. Most stand for the removal of nasal foreign bodies, drainage of neck abscess procedures, and thyroglossal duct cyst excision. Residency training (75%) and personal comfort (81%) were the more frequently cited reasons for preference. Fewer than one in five (16%) reported preexisting neck or back pain, but this doubled (35%) throughout their otolaryngology practice. Conditional distributions of pain showed reports of pain were greater for individuals in practice for over 20 years. Conclusions Pediatric otolaryngologists develop their operating room preferences early during residency training. High rates of neck and back pain (35%) may develop during a surgeon’s career. We suggest improved understanding of ergonomics in concert with operating room workflow should be considered during otolaryngology residency training since recent data suggest potential benefits of standing on cognitive function.