Gastroenterologie
a hepatologie

Health risks of endoscopy for endoscopists in the Czech Republic - a pilot study

Radek Kroupa ^{Orcid.org  1}, Milan Dastych ^{Orcid.org  2}, Jitka Prokešová ^Orcid.org  , Jiří Dolina ^{Orcid.org  3}, Aleš Hep ^{Orcid.org  3}

+ Affiliation
¹ Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
² Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic
³ Interní gastroenterologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno

Summary

The aim of the pilot study is to examine the frequency of endoscopy related musculoskeletal disorders and other health risks in a set of endoscopists in the country.

Methods: Anonymous questionnaires were sent to 70 endoscopists in different regions of the Czech Republic via e-mail. The frequency and severity of endoscopy related health problems were recorded.

Results: Completed questionnaires were obtained from 48 (69%) of the endoscopists. The mean duration of professional endoscopy experience was 16 years. The presence of musculoskeletal disorders was revealed by 90% of endoscopists. The most frequent sites of pain were the lower back (52%), the right wrist (27%) and the left thumb (25%). Irritations that could affect the ability to perform endoscopy were reported by 39% respondents. The treatment of musculoskeletal disorders with drugs or physiotherapy was required in 46% of respondents, and any endoscopy related injury was reported by 46%. Only one-quarter of endoscopists knew their Helicobater pylori status.

Conclusion: Endoscopy may be particularly associated with overloading of endoscopists' arms, with some impact on working capacity. Endoscopy related injuries are not rare. The pilot data can help detect the most important problems as a background forthe possible prevention.

Keywords

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