The effect of work location on urolithiasis in health care professionals

The objective of this study is to compare the prevalence and risks factors for urolithiasis among health care professionals who work in the operating room (OR) versus other locations. Electronic surveys, focusing on a history of urolithiasis, were sent to 3,921 randomly selected employees at our institution, 34 % (1,340) of which worked in an OR. Additional information regarding potential risk factors such as quantity of daily fluid intake, stress level, activity level, body mass index, relevant medical conditions and family history of urolithiasis were obtained and analyzed. Of those surveyed, 46 % (1,802/3,921) responded. The prevalence of urolithiasis for all responders was 10.9 % (196/1,802). Those individuals working in an OR had a higher prevalence of stone disease compared to those who work elsewhere [14.6 % (64/439) versus 9.7 % (132/1,363); p = 0.004]. Specifically, physicians that work in an OR had the highest prevalence of urolithiasis [17.4 % (20/115) versus 9.7 % (132/1,363); p = 0.009). Additionally, physicians that work in an OR reported significantly less fluid intake (p = 0.04) and higher stress levels (p < 0.0001) compared to employees not working in an OR. On multivariate analysis, working in an OR remained associated with a significantly increased risk stone formation (HR 1.43; p = 0.04). Our survey found that health care professionals working in an OR setting, and physicians in particular, are at higher risk of urolithiasis.