Zentralbl Chir
DOI: 10.1055/a-2768-9435
Übersicht

Ergonomie in der Robotik – ein Leitfaden für die Praxis

Ergonomics in Robotic Surgery – A Practical Guide

Authors

  • Dolores Krauss

    1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Thorax- und Transplantationschirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN27182)
  • David Sharif

    1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Thorax- und Transplantationschirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN27182)
  • Christiane Bruns

    1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Thorax- und Transplantationschirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN27182)
  • Hans Friedrich Fuchs

    1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Thorax- und Transplantationschirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN27182)

Zusammenfassung

Die Ergonomie stellt in der Medizin, aber auch insbesondere in der robotischen Chirurgie weiterhin ein unterschätztes Thema dar. Trotz technischer Fortschritte leiden Chirurginnen und Chirurgen häufig unter muskuloskelettalen Beschwerden wie Nacken-, Rücken- und Handgelenksschmerzen. Vorherige Studien konnten zeigen, dass mangelndes Wissen über ergonomisches Arbeiten an der Konsole, unphysiologische Haltungen und fehlendes Training häufige Ursachen für Fehlhaltungen und assoziierte Beschwerden sind. Eine physiologische Körperhaltung stellt die Grundlage ergonomischen Arbeitens – sowohl im Stehen als auch im Sitzen dar. Besonderer Relevanz kommt hierbei einer neutralen Kopf-, Becken- und Wirbelsäulenstellung sowie der Rumpfstabilität und regelmäßigem Training der Haltemuskulatur zu.
Ein Vergleich verschiedener robotischer Systeme zeigt deutliche Unterschiede in der Konsolengestaltung und damit verbundene ergonomische Herausforderungen. Systeme mit flexibel einstellbarem Kopfteil verbessern z. B. die Nackenhaltung, während offene Konsolen die Kommunikation im OP-Saal unterstützen.
Auch die Rolle des Bedside Assistants ist aus ergonomischer Sicht kritisch. Die Diskrepanz zwischen motorischer und visueller Achse führt schnell zu Beschwerden im Nacken-, Schulter- und Armbereich. Strukturierte Ausbildungscurricula und ergonomische Trainings fehlen im chirurgischen Alltag.
Zur Prävention von muskuloskelettalen Beschwerden können gezielte Dehn- und Mobilisationsübungen während sog. Mikropausen durchgeführt werden, die nachweislich Schmerzen reduzieren und die Konzentration sowie die Leistung verbessern. Eine korrekte Einstellung der Konsole kann zudem den robotischen Arbeitsplatz signifikant ergonomisch verbessern.

Abstract

Ergonomics remain an underestimated challenge in medicine, particularly in robotic surgery. Despite technical advances, surgeons often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders often involving the neck, back, and wrist. Previous studies have shown that a lack of knowledge and awareness of ergonomic recommendations for the use of the console, unnatural or poor physiological postures, and a lack of training are common causes of poor posture and associated complaints. A physiological posture is the basis for a healthy workspace, both when standing and sitting. Of particular relevance are a neutral head, pelvis, and spine position, as well as core stability and regular training of the critical muscles for a stable posture.
A comparison of different robotic systems revealed significant differences in console design and associated ergonomic challenges. Systems with adjustable headpieces, for example, improve neck posture, while open consoles facilitate communication in the operating room.
In addition, the role of the bedside assistant is critical from an ergonomic perspective. The discrepancy between the motor and visual axes quickly leads to discomfort in the neck, shoulder, and arm areas. Structured training curricula and ergonomic guidelines are lacking in everyday surgical practice.
To prevent musculoskeletal pain and potential disorders, targeted stretching and mobilization exercises can be performed during so-called micro breaks, which have been proven to reduce pain and improve concentration and performance. Correct adjustment of the console can also significantly improve the ergonomics in the robotic operating theatre.



Publication History

Received: 14 October 2025

Accepted after revision: 08 December 2025

Article published online:
23 January 2026

© 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 
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