Electromyography on surgeons during urological operations

In urological surgery on 4 surgeons the electromyograms of several shoulder and trunk muscles were studied during 29 endoscopic operations. Two operation methods were compared: 1. use of a look-through endoscope (direct endoscopy) and 2. use of a video camera mounted on the top of the endoscope and a monitor (monitor endoscopy). The studies reveal a significant decrease in the myoelectrical activity of both trapezius muscles due to the use of a video system. In the course of the operations an increase in the myoelectrical activity of the trapezius and deltoideus muscles is observed which is interpreted as a sign of muscle fatigue. It is concluded that the last part of the operation has to be performed when the shoulder muscles are already fatigued.