Gender differences in ergonomics during simulated ureteroscopy

Abstract

Background: Female urologists report higher rates of work-related physical discomfort compared to male urologists. We compared ergonomics during simulated ureteroscopy, the most common surgery for kidney stones, between male and female urologists.

Methods: Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activation during common ureteroscopic tasks in urology trainees and staff with different surgeon positions and ureteroscopes. Subjective workload was assessed using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and multivariate regressions were used to compare muscle activation by gender for each trial condition.

Results: There was no difference in age or distribution of training level between genders, though men had larger glove sizes. Across all conditions, women required greater muscle activation in multiple muscle groups and had greater NASA-TLX scores compared to men.

Conclusions: There may be gender differences in ergonomics during ureteroscopy based on muscle activation and subjective workload, suggesting potential for personalizing surgical ecosystems.

Keywords: Ergonomics; Gender; Subjective workload; Ureteroscopy; Urology.