Physical Pain and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Vascular Surgeons

Abstract Objectives Work-related pain and disability have been reported in the literature among surgeons. This national survey was designed to identify the prevalence and severity of these symptoms in vascular surgeons. Methods A survey was emailed to the 2910 members of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS). Physical pain was evaluated based on body part, and type of vascular procedure performed using the Borg 0-10 pain scale. Wellness questions were also queried. Results A total of 775 of SVS members responded, with a 26.6% response rate. Retirees were excluded from the study (N=39). Among those actively working (N=736), surgeons have been practicing surgery, on average, for 17.2 ± 11.6 years, with a mean age of 51.4 ±10.9 years, and 83.6% are male. After a full day of open surgery, the majority of the responding vascular surgeons are in a moderately strong amount of pain (mean score 4.4±2.3). After a full day of endovascular procedures, most vascular surgeons are in a moderately strong amount of pain (mean score 3.9±2.4). Pain following open surgery is highest in the neck, and after endovascular surgery pain is highest in the lower back. Surgeons performing endovenous procedures demonstrated the lowest pain scores (2.0+/-2.0). In total, 36.9% (242/655, 81 missing responses) have sought medical care for work-related pain, with 8.3% (61/736) taking time away from the operating room. Of those, 26.2% (193/736) report pain severe enough that it interferes with sleep. Seventy-two (10%) required surgery or other significant medical procedures. Of the 39 retirees, 26% of them ended their careers due to physical disabilities from work-related pain. Out of the entire cohort, 52.7% (334/633,103 missing responses) feel that physical discomfort will affect the longevity of their careers. Additionally, we found that high work-related physical discomfort is significantly associated with burnout (burnout vs. no burnout, p Conclusions Our study shows that the majority of practicing vascular surgeons responding to the survey are in pain after a day of operating. Addressing work-related pain serves to improve the lives and careers of vascular surgeons and enhance surgical longevity.