Why Surgeons Perform Surgery While Standing Up

Surgeons typically perform surgery while standing for several key reasons that contribute to both their physical comfort and the precision of their work. Standing allows surgeons to maintain better posture, use their body weight to assist with manual tasks, and reduce strain on their backs and arms during extended procedures.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics play a vital role in a surgeon's ability to perform their tasks efficiently and safely. Standing allows surgeons to distribute their body weight in a way that can reduce strain on their backs and arms, which is particularly important during long procedures. Surgeons using their body weight to assist with manual tasks can help maintain their stamina and focus, ensuring that they can perform their duties without fatigue.

Visibility and Access

Another primary reason for standing during surgery is the improved visibility and access it provides. Being upright gives surgeons a better vantage point for clearly seeing the surgical field, which is crucial for intricate procedures. Standing also allows for greater mobility and access to the patient, which is essential for precision and control over the surgical site.

Precision and Control

The standing position also enhances the precision and control that surgeons need, especially in delicate surgeries. In such surgeries, even the smallest movements can significantly impact the outcome. By standing, surgeons can exert more control over their movements and make more accurate incisions, placing sutures, and manipulating surgical instruments. This is particularly important in surgeries on the trunk, where precision is paramount.

Team Dynamics

Surgery is often a team effort, and standing during surgery allows the lead surgeon to effectively communicate and coordinate with assistants and medical staff. This is crucial for maintaining a cohesive surgical team, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and can respond quickly to any changes or emergencies that may arise during the procedure.

The Role of Equipment Design

Modern surgical instruments and operating room setups are designed with the assumption that surgeons will be standing during procedures. This design enhances efficiency and ensures that the tools are easily accessible to the surgeon. Standing also allows for better leverage, allowing the surgeon to manipulate instruments more effectively and reach distant parts of the patient's body.

Surgeries on the Trunk and Perineum

Surgeries on the trunk (such as general surgery involving the chest or abdomen) often require the patient to lie on a solid pedestal table with limited movement. Surgeons must stand because the table does not allow for easy movement or close access. The positioning of the patient is crucial for these surgeries, and standing provides the surgeon with the necessary leverage and control to perform the procedure accurately.

Surgeries of the perineum, such as gynecological procedures or procedures on the rectum, may require the surgeon to sit during the operation. This is because the table is designed to allow the patient to be in stirrups, which provides the surgeon with closer access to the surgical field while sitting. Sitting also allows the surgeon to change angles, get leverage, and move their viewpoint as needed.

In summary, the standing position during surgery is not just a matter of convenience but a combination of ergonomic benefits, improved precision and control, and better team dynamics. While sitting may be necessary for certain types of surgeries, the standing position generally supports the physical demands of surgery and contributes to better outcomes for patients.