CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Endosc Int Open 2020; 08(10): E1481-E1486
DOI: 10.1055/a-1236-3379
Original article

High prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries in third space endoscopists: an international multicenter survey[*]

Samuel Han
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Hazem T. Hammad
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Mihir S. Wagh
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Background and study aims Third space endoscopy (TSE), including per-oral endoscopic myotomy and endoscopic submucosal dissection, is technically challenging and physically demanding. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and types of musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries (MSI) in third space endoscopists and its impact on clinical practice.

Materials, Patients and methods A 22-item survey measuring endoscopist characteristics, procedure volumes, MSI, and its effect on clinical practice was distributed to endoscopists practicing TSE. Descriptive statistics were used to depict MSI. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors for MSI related to TSE.

Results The survey was completed by 45 of 110 endoscopists (40.9 %) who received the survey, representing 10 countries across four continents. Thirty-one (69 %) endoscopists reported current MSI with 71 % (n = 22/31) believing these began after starting TSE, and 48.9 % (22/45) reporting more symptoms after TSE compared to endoscopic ultrasound/endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Common MSI included the shoulders (42.2 %), back (37.8 %), neck (33.3 %), and wrist (24.4 %). Lower extremity MSI were also reported with foot symptoms (11.1 %) being most common. A minority required disability (2.2 %), change in endoscopy scheduling (6.7 %) or surgery (2.2 %). Only 15.6 % of endoscopists had received prior ergonomics training. Logistic regression revealed no significant predictors for MSI.

Conclusions Over two-thirds of endoscopists performing TSE suffer from MSI, with many reporting onset of their symptoms after starting TSE in their practice. Further studies are needed to understand and reduce the risk of MSI in TSE given the growing demand for these procedures and the potential long-term impact of this occupational hazard.

* Meeting presentations: This study was accepted for oral presentation in the ASGE Presidential Plenary Session at Digestive Disease Week 2020


Supplementary material



Publication History

Received: 10 June 2020

Accepted: 20 July 2020

Article published online:
07 October 2020

© 2020. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commecial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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