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ABSTRACT
Introduction: Gastrointestinal(GI) endoscopy forms a significant proportion of clinicians’ workloads. However, little attention is given to the ergonomic aspects of endoscopy. This systematic review of musculoskeletal pain and/or injuries in GI endoscopists aims to better understand the types of occupational injuries resulting from endoscopic procedures and associated risk factors.
Areas covered: Systematic literature search conducted for articles evaluating prevalence, risk factors and mechanism of musculoskeletal pain and/or injuries related to GI endoscopy. In 13 included studies, 39–89% of surveyed endoscopists reported pain and/or injuries related to endoscopy. Common areas of pain were the back(15–57%), neck(9–46%), shoulders(9–19%), elbows(8–15%) and hands/fingers(14–82%). Risk factors included procedure volume, time spent doing endoscopy, cumulative time in practice and endoscopist age. Experimental studies showed that forces and loads placed on endoscopists’ bodies during procedures place them at risk of occupational injury. Areas of pain differed between novice and experienced endoscopists implying separate mechanisms of injury.
Expert commentary: Comprehensive investigation into the prevalence, types, pathophysiology and methods to minimise endoscopy-related musculoskeletal injuries is vital to ensure the continued efficient provision of endoscopy services in the face of rising demands worldwide. A paradigm shift is required in endoscopic devices and techniques to improve safety and comfort.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
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Notes on contributors
Diana E Yung
The study was designed jointly by all authors. The literature search was performed by DEY, TB and AK. Data collection, analysis and write-up were done by DEY, TB and AK. GC, AA and PD provided their expert input and guidance throughout the process. AK is the guarantor of this manuscript.
Tommaso Banfi
The study was designed jointly by all authors. The literature search was performed by DEY, TB and AK. Data collection, analysis and write-up were done by DEY, TB and AK. GC, AA and PD provided their expert input and guidance throughout the process. AK is the guarantor of this manuscript.
Gastone Ciuti
The study was designed jointly by all authors. The literature search was performed by DEY, TB and AK. Data collection, analysis and write-up were done by DEY, TB and AK. GC, AA and PD provided their expert input and guidance throughout the process. AK is the guarantor of this manuscript.
Alberto Arezzo
The study was designed jointly by all authors. The literature search was performed by DEY, TB and AK. Data collection, analysis and write-up were done by DEY, TB and AK. GC, AA and PD provided their expert input and guidance throughout the process. AK is the guarantor of this manuscript.
Paolo Dario
The study was designed jointly by all authors. The literature search was performed by DEY, TB and AK. Data collection, analysis and write-up were done by DEY, TB and AK. GC, AA and PD provided their expert input and guidance throughout the process. AK is the guarantor of this manuscript.
Anastasios Koulaouzidis
The study was designed jointly by all authors. The literature search was performed by DEY, TB and AK. Data collection, analysis and write-up were done by DEY, TB and AK. GC, AA and PD provided their expert input and guidance throughout the process. AK is the guarantor of this manuscript.