Physical and mental effects of different radical prostatectomy techniques on urologic surgeons

Abstract Oblective In this web-based international survey study, we aimed to show association between physical exhaustion, and patient, relatives, and employers-related mental stress on surgeons performing open radical prostatectomy (ORP), laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), and robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) . Methods A ten-question survey was sent to the urologists performing ORP, LRP, and RALP via e-mail and social media platforms. The techniques preferred by the participants and their possible associations with physical exhaustion, musculoskeletal complaints and stress caused by patients’ or patients’ relatives or employers’ expectations as well as regular exercise or sportive activities were investigated. Results A total of 160 urologists completed the survey. RALP group showed lower physical exhaustion rate and increased eye-strain (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Although walking was the most preferred sportive activity, no correlation was found between regular sport or exercise and musculoskeletal complaints (p > 0.05). Conclusion Lower physical exhaustion was achieved in RALP technique compared to ORP and LRP. Although the number of participants limited, regular exercise weakly improved physical exhaustion and musculoskeletal complaints. We believe that encouraging the urologists dealing with LRP and RALP to force regular sportive activities would help to improve physical discomfort.