Impact of novel lightweight disposable gastroscope and duodenoscope on endoscopist muscle activation: a comparative study

Abstract

Background and AimsMusculoskeletal injuries are common among endoscopists and reducing the endoscope weight is considered a preventive measure. We aimed to assess the impact on the muscle activation of recently developed lightweight gastroscopes and duodenoscopes, compared with standard endoscopes in a two-part study. MethodsFirstly, fourteen participants performed a protocol using a lightweight disposable gastroscope or a standard reusable in a random order. The protocol constituted of three equal working blocks with repetitive and standardized movements. In the second part, fifteen endoscopists used a lightweight disposable duodenoscope and a reusable in an artificial model and at rest. For both protocols, the subjects wore a sleeve with embedded superficial electromyographic sensors on the left arm. ResultsWrist flexor muscle activation was significantly lower when using the lightweight single-use endoscopes during the respective protocol tasks (P<0.05). The extensor muscles were also significantly less activated while using the single-use gastroscope (P<0.05), but there was no difference when using the duodenoscopes. ConclusionsStandardized operation with lightweight endoscopes reduces the load on the left forearm muscles and favors muscle rest compared to the heavier standard endoscopes. These improvements in user ergonomics may aid in preventing or delaying the development of tremor, fatigue, and injuries.