JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
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In the last few years many new instruments and devices have been developed and introduced into the operating room (OR). A debate has been ongoing about the optimal ergonomic posture for the operating staff. From practical experience, we have learned that the operating tables cannot be adjusted adequately to allow surgeons of different stature to maintain a comfortable posture. The goal of this study was to establish the most ergonomic table height for the particular physique of the surgeon and the different types of laparoscopic instrument handles that he or she uses. ⋯ New operating tables with a much lower adjustability are necessary to fulfill ergonomic requirements. The use of differently designed handles can hinder the ergonomic posture of the surgeon, because each handle requires a different working height.