27. OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF ERGONOMICS IN ROBOTIC MICROSURGERY

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This study compares the surgeon's ergonomics during the performance of microsurgical procedures using a robotic platform and conventional techniques. The study evaluates the differences in the surgeons' muscle activity. Methods Four surgeons with expertise in microsurgery participated in this study. They performed various microsurgical and supermicrosurgical procedures, including vascular and lymphatic-venous anastomoses. The procedures were performed by both robotic and conventional techniques. Muscle activity of five muscle groups was recorded bilaterally using a wireless electromyography system. For analysis, derivation of the evolution of mean frequencies and amplitudes was calculated to quantify muscle fatigue. Results Less muscle activity was observed with the use of the robot for the upper trapezius. In contrast, the brachioradialis shows higher muscle activity in robotic surgery. The erector spinae, medial trapezius and abductor did not show significant differences in terms of median but in terms of distribution. As for muscle fatigue, it is less dispersed among subjects in robotic surgery and tends to be less accentuated than with the conventional surgical technique. Conclusion According to muscle activity indicators, ergonomics differs in conventional and robotic surgery depending on the muscle group. However, preliminary results show less muscle fatigue in robotic surgery.