10. COMPARISON OF ERGONOMICS BETWEEN ROBOTIC AND CONVENTIONAL SURGERY: A STUDY OF MUSCLE ACTIVITY AND BODY POSTURE

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The objective of this study is to compare the ergonomics of surgeons during surgical procedures using the Versius robot (CMR Surgical) and conventional laparoscopic surgery. The study assesses surgeons' body posture and muscle activity to objectively identify ergonomic distinctions between the two surgical approaches. Methods A set of surgeons were asked to perform both tasks in a box trainer and surgical procedures in an experimental model. Laparoscopic tasks and procedures were performed both with the robotic platform and conventionally. During the study, surgeons wore electromyography sensors to measure the activity of 14 muscles. Participants also wore inertial sensors to record body movements. Postures were compared with ergonomic guidelines for conventional and robotic laparoscopic surgery. Results In terms of muscle activity in box trainer and in vivo surgeries, the activity distribution of the gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis, erector spinae and medial trapezius muscles was concentrated around a lower median in robotic procedures compared to conventional ones. However, for the brachioradialis, triceps and upper trapezius, the distribution was concentrated at a higher median for robotic procedures. Regarding surgeon posture, a more ergonomically suitable posture is obtained for flexion-extension of the knee and ulnar-radial deviation of the wrist during robotic surgery. Conclusion The study concludes that the use of robotic surgery improves certain aspects of ergonomics in laparoscopy.