Gender differences in ergonomics during simulated ureteroscopy (20 February 2024)

Summary

Female urologists report higher rates of work-related physical discomfort compared to male urologists. This study in the American Journal of Surgery compared ergonomics during simulated ureteroscopy—the most common surgery for kidney stones—between male and female urologists. The authors found that across all conditions, women required greater muscle activation in multiple muscle groups and had greater NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) scores compared to men. These results suggest there may be gender differences in ergonomics during ureteroscopy based on muscle activation and subjective workload. There is therefore potential for personalising surgical workspaces and equipment.