ADVERTISING FEATURE
Ergonomics as a critical health priority in modern endoscopy
Dr. Raj Rameshshanker, Ms. Jo Kelly
Endoscopy-related musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) represent a significant and escalating occupational health burden. The scale of the problem demands attention. A systematic review of over 7,000 endoscopists reveals a staggering 62.5% career-long MSKI prevalence, with some studies reporting rates as high as 90%.¹ Approximately one in six endoscopists require sick leave directly attributable to these injuries. Yet despite this substantial occupational health burden, the fundamental design of endoscopic rooms and equipment remain virtually unchanged, a disconnect that needs to be prioritised.
The clinical and personal toll The consequences extend beyond individual discomfort. Endoscopy-related injuries compromise procedural performance, shorten career longevity, and ultimately reduce clinical service capacity at a time when demand is increasing. Emerging evidence reveals concerning gender-specific patterns: female endoscopists experience disproportionately higher rates of left-sided hand and thumb injuries, a disparity directly implicating equipment design and handling ergonomics. Recent survey data strengthens this case. Of 455 gastroenterologists surveyed, 85.7%
supported pro-ergonomic colonoscope redesign, with 85% prioritizing customizable control knobs for different hand sizes and 78% requesting reduced force requirements for angular manipulation² , underscoring how current “one-size-fits-all” instruments inadequately serve our increasingly diverse workforce.
Practical interventions within reach The encouraging news is that evidence-based solutions exist today. The ESGE Days 2026 Ergonomics Spotlight Session, held in Milan this May, brought together clinical and industry experts to present immediately implementable strategies: procedure- integrated exercise protocols targeting hand, wrist, and cervical musculature; workplace optimization including monitor and table height adjustment; anti-fatigue matting; and structured procedural breaks.³ Yet remarkably, fewer than half of practicing endoscopists report having received formal ergonomic training, a critical gap that formal curricula must address.⁴
Ergonomics in endoscopy training with PENTAX Medical.
Driving systemic change True progress requires a multidisciplinary approach combining clinical research, educational innovation, and industry collaboration. The time for incremental action has passed. Modern endoscopy demands we embed
ergonomic principles into training curricula, optimize workplace design, and welcome industry collaboration toward evidence-based equipment innovation. Our practitioners’ long-term health and our field’s capacity depend on it. Ultimately, protecting clinician wellbeing is inseparable from delivering high- quality patient care. A comfortable, well-supported endoscopist is better equipped to maintain focus, precision, and efficiency. By aligning clinical skills with ergonomic best practices, the endoscopy community can move toward a safer, more resilient, and more sustainable future. At PENTAX Medical, we believe clinician wellbeing is an essential part of delivering high-quality patient care. Our flexible endoscopy solutions are designed with ergonomics in mind - from research and development through everyday clinical use - to support clinician comfort, procedural efficiency, and longevity in practice.
‘Scan the QR code below to watch the ESGE Days 2026 Spotlight Session.
ESGE Days 2026 Spotlight Session
References: 1. Siau K, Pawa S. Ergonomics in endoscopy editorial. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2024;(Published online).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2024 2. Mohan N, Singla M, Pawa S, et al. Gastroenterologists’ goals for ergonomic colonoscopes: results of a national survey. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published ahead of print January 27, 2025. DOI:10.1016/
j.gie.2025.01.027 3. Walsh CM, Qayed E, Aihara H, et al. Core curriculum for ergonomics in endoscopy. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2021;93(6):1222–1227. DOI:10.1016/
j.gie.2021.01.023 4. Pawa S, Kwon RS, Fishman DS, et al. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on the role of ergonomics for prevention of endoscopy-related injury: summary and recommendations. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2023;98(4):482–491. DOI:10.1016/
j.gie.2023.05.056
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