Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Surgeons Dexterity

Sleep deprivation is an ordinary aspect in the global society and its prevalence is increasing. Chronic and acute sleep deprivation have been linked to diabetes and heart diseases as well as depression and enhanced impulsive behaviours. Surgeons are often exposed to long hour on call and few hours of sleep in the previous days. Nevertheless, few studies have focused their attention on the effects of sleep deprivation on surgeons and more specifically on the effects of sleep deprivation on surgical dexterity, often relying on virtual surgical simulators. A better understanding of the consequences of sleep loss on the key surgical skill of dexterity can shed light on the possible risks associated to a sleepy surgeon. In this paper, the authors aim to provide a comprehensive review of the relationship between sleep deprivation and surgical dexterity.