Although work-related physical disorders among surgeons are increasing globally, with potential detrimental effects on surgical performance and patient care, ergonomics is still overlooked in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to investigate ergonomics problems and perceptions in the operating room in an international cohort of surgeons to obtain baseline data necessary to plan implementation initiatives. A Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES)-compliant internet-based survey was developed using Google Forms and distributed via surgical societies, professional associations, and collaborative networks between September 2023 and February 2024 to surgeons from different specialties worldwide. The survey consisted of 6 sections, exploring various aspects such as job history, surgical specialty, practice location and role, surgical training, and injuries related to surgical practice. A total of 1,093 responses were received from surgeons in 42 countries. Because of the open distribution model, a precise response rate could not be calculated. The decision to use an online survey as the primary data collection method was driven by several distinct advantages. Primarily, this approach facilitated access to a broad and heterogeneous sample of surgeons encompassing various specialties and geographic locations-an achievement challenging to replicate with conventional survey techniques. The digital format enabled efficient dissemination through established channels, including surgical societies, professional organizations, and collaborative networks, thereby ensuring extensive reach in a cost-effective and timely fashion. Moreover, the anonymity afforded by the online platform encouraged participants to provide honest and uninhibited responses concerning sensitive topics such as musculoskeletal discomfort and ergonomic behaviors, mitigating potential biases linked to social desirability or fear of professional consequences. The flexibility inherent to an internet-based survey also allowed respondents to participate at their convenience, which likely enhanced overall response rates and engagement among busy health care professionals worldwide. Collectively, these attributes positioned the online survey as an optimal and practical tool for capturing comprehensive baseline data on ergonomic issues within the international surgical community. The survey received a total of 1,093 responses. Up to 96.9% of surgeons reported experiencing some musculoskeletal discomfort, which were more commonly associated with laparoscopy (55.4%), followed by open surgery (32.9%). Robotic surgery had the lowest rate of pain (1.1%, P < .001). Surgery-related injuries in 9.7% of cases prevented the surgeon from performing clinical or surgical duties, and in 13.4% of cases musculoskeletal pain necessitated absence from work or job leave. Overall, 31.4% of the respondents implemented risk mitigation strategies in the operating room with microbreaks and intraoperative stretching. Seventy-three percent of the responders have never followed formal training, lectures, or discussions about ergonomics. Laparoscopic surgery significantly impacts surgeons; to mitigate the effects of musculoskeletal disorders on individual surgeons and the broader surgical workforce, innovations such as robotic surgery and ergonomic education may offer potential benefits; these descriptive findings highlight the need for further research to evaluate their role in reducing the burden of work-related musculoskeletal issues.

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and the absence of effective screening strategies. As a result, primary prevention is a critical approach to reducing disease burden. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on modifiable lifestyle, reproductive, and environmental factors associated with OC risk, based on a comprehensive PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science search conducted through April 2026. Consistent protective associations have been reported for reproductive factors, including parity, breastfeeding, oral contraceptive use, salpingectomy, and tubal ligation. Among lifestyle factors, excess body weight is modestly associated with increased OC risk, while evidence regarding physical activity remains inconclusive. Diets rich in fiber and aligned with a Mediterranean pattern appear protective, potentially through hormonal modulation and anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, pro-inflammatory diets high in trans fats and refined carbohydrates may increase risk, whereas omega-3 fatty acids show potential protective benefits. Chronic pelvic inflammation, particularly related to Chlamydia trachomatis infection, has been linked to elevated epithelial OC risk. Smoking demonstrates a dose–response association with mucinous tumors. Environmental exposures, including genital talc use and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols, have linked to a possible, albeit modest, increase in risk, although the causal mechanisms remain uncertain. Although individual associations are generally modest, their cumulative population impact may be substantial. Integrating lifestyle-based prevention strategies into gynecologic practice and public health initiatives could represent a cost-effective approach to reducing OC incidence and improving women’s health outcomes.