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Otolaryngology (ENT)10 papers

Injury to nerve during surgery

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Injury to nerves during surgery can occur due to various factors including surgical technique, instrument design, and prolonged exposure to awkward postures, particularly in minimally invasive procedures like endoscopic surgery 1. These injuries can lead to significant physical discomfort and functional impairment for surgeons.

Diagnosis

  • Physical symptoms attributed to endoscopic surgery, such as discomfort or pain, should be noted 1.
  • Ergonomic assessment of surgical techniques and instrument use may help identify risk factors 1.
  • No specific diagnostic tests are highlighted; clinical evaluation remains primary 1.
  • Management

  • Ergonomic modifications in surgical instruments and techniques are recommended to mitigate injury risk 1.
  • Regular breaks and ergonomic training for surgeons performing repetitive or strenuous procedures may reduce symptoms 1.
  • Specific pharmacological treatments are not detailed in the provided abstracts 1.
  • Special Populations

  • No specific data on pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities related to nerve injury during surgery are provided in the abstracts 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Implement ergonomic evaluations and modifications in endoscopic surgical instruments to reduce physical strain on surgeons (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • Encourage regular breaks and ergonomic training programs for surgeons performing endoscopic surgeries to minimize injury risk (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • Surgeons experiencing persistent physical symptoms should seek ergonomic assessments to identify and address specific risk factors (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • References

    1 Little RM, Deal AM, Zanation AM, McKinney K, Senior BA, Ebert CS. Occupational hazards of endoscopic surgery. International forum of allergy & rhinology 2012. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Occupational hazards of endoscopic surgery.Little RM, Deal AM, Zanation AM, McKinney K, Senior BA, Ebert CS International forum of allergy & rhinology (2012)

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