A high prevalence (37 % – 89 %) of endoscopy-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD),
partly due to sustained standing during endoscopy, has been reported [1]
[2]. The endoscopist, assistant, and endoscopy nurses often spend a long time standing
during endoscopic examinations and procedures ([Fig. 1 a]). Optimizing ergonomics may protect the well-being and improve the performance of
endoscopy staff [3].
Fig. 1 Use of a sit-stand endoscopy workstation. a A conventional endoscopy unit, with the endoscopist, assistant, and endoscopy nurse
standing during endoscopic examinations and procedures. b A sit-stand endoscopy workstation with wobble stools. c An endoscopist using the wobble stool in the sitting positions. d An assistant preparing a saline injection in the sitting position on the wobble stool.
e An endoscopy nurse using the wobble stool in the sitting position.
Recently, sit-stand workstations have been designed to resolve workers’ MSD [4]. We previously described a sit-stand endoscopy workstation equipped with a wearable
and easily fitted, albeit heavy, chair [5]. A Pirouetto ergonomic wobble stool (Okamura Corp., Tokyo, Japan) is a potential
inexpensive and easy alternative method of addressing the issue. The stool allows
workers to quickly change from a sitting to a standing position. This video demonstrates
the use of the sit-stand endoscopy workstation with wobble stool by an endoscopist,
assistant, and endoscopy nurse during endoscopic gastrointestinal therapy in an endoscopy
unit ([Fig. 1 b], [Video 1]).
Video 1 Sit-stand endoscopy workstations using the wobble stool for an endoscopist, assistant,
and endoscopy nurse in the endoscopy unit.
The endoscopist was able to maneuver the endoscope while in both sitting and standing
positions, and to smoothly and quickly change his posture with complete control ([Fig. 1 c]). The assistant was able to pass on and receive an endoscopic device while in both
sitting and standing positions ([Fig. 1 d]). Similarly, while sitting and standing, the endoscopy nurse could care for a patient,
write nurse records, and assist in anesthesia management ([Fig. 1 e]). Therefore, the wobble stool allowed the sit-stand endoscopy workstation to be
used successfully by all endoscopy staff.
Prospective studies are needed to analyze MSD in staff while in standing and sit-stand
positions during endoscopic examinations and procedures. An optimal, ergonomically
appropriate height for the monitor also needs to be determined. Finally, the height
of the patient bed has to be adjusted to a neutral position for both endoscopy staff
and patients.
Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AU_2AZ
Endoscopy E-Videos is a free access online section, reporting on interesting cases and new techniques
in gastroenterological endoscopy. All papers include a high
quality video and all contributions are
freely accessible online.
This section has its own submission
website at
https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/e-videos
