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These Studies Assess Surgeons' Physical and Ergonomic Workloads. Study 1 Compares Laparoscopic vs. Hugo RAS Robotic Approaches for Rectal Resection. Study 2 Compares Hugo RAS vs. Da Vinci Xi for Prostatectomy. Both Track Physiological Stress, Surgical Strain Phases, and Exerted Force.
Sponsor: IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna
Summary
The ERGOROB (ERGOnomics in surgical ROBotics) study is an observational research project focused on the physical well-being of surgeons.Why is this study important?Surgeons perform complex, lengthy procedures that can lead to severe physical strain, awkward postures, and repetitive movements.This physical burden often causes musculoskeletal disorders, which can negatively impact a doctor's health and potentially shorten their career.By objectively measuring these physical demands, researchers aim to improve the design of surgical systems and training protocols.Preserving a surgeon's health and expertise ultimately enhances the quality of care provided to patients.What exactly is being studied?The research is divided into two comparative areas:Study 1: Compares the physical strain on doctors performing bowel surgery (Low Anterior Resection of the Rectum) using standard "keyhole" (laparoscopic) methods versus a robotic-assisted system called the Hugo RAS.Study 2: Compares the physical demands of using two different robotic surgical platforms (the Hugo RAS and the Da Vinci Xi) during prostate surgery (Radical Prostatectomy).What does this mean for patients?In this specific study, the surgeons are the subjects being evaluated, not the patients.Patients receive their standard, planned surgical treatment without any alterations.During the operation, the participating surgeon will wear specialized wireless equipment, including a 3D motion capture suit, muscle activity sensors, and sensorized gloves to measure hand force.The procedure is also video recorded to analyze the surgeon's movements and workflow.All wearable equipment has been thoroughly pre-tested in a simulated environment to guarantee it does not interfere with the surgeon's dexterity or comfort while operating.
Official title: The ERGOROB Project (ERGOnomics in Surgical ROBotics)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
40 Years - 55 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
10
Start Date
2026-04-01
Completion Date
2028-06-01
Last Updated
2026-03-18
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
surgical approach
This study evaluates the ergonomic impact of different surgical platforms on operating surgeons. The "interventions" are the surgical systems used during standard procedures:Study 1: Compares the standard laparoscopic approach (control) versus the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS robotic system during Low Anterior Resection of the Rectum.Study 2: Directly compares the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS system versus the Intuitive da Vinci® Xi System during Radical Prostatectomy.Distinguishing Feature: Unlike trials focused on patient outcomes, the surgeon is the subject of investigation here. During live surgeries, surgeons are continuously monitored using wearable assessment tools: Xsens 3D Motion Capture suits for posture and kinematics , WaveX wireless sEMG sensors for muscle activity and fatigue , and GRIP VERSATEK sensorized gloves (Study 2 only) for hand force. This enables real-time, objective ergonomic data collection.