Coca-Cola vs. Oxygen for Fatigue Management in Tibet Surgeons

Fatigue in surgeons can result in reduced concentration and muscle strength, compromising the safety of surgical procedures, particularly in high-altitude areas. In Tibet, surgeons often drink cola or inhale oxygen during operations, as these are believed to help alleviate fatigue. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Coca-Cola and supplemental oxygen in relieving fatigue among surgeons in Tibet and to investigate whether these effects vary based on the ethnicity of the doctors.

This study employs a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial design, recruiting 22 surgeons (k=22). Each doctor is scheduled to perform 24 surgeries and evaluated. At the beginning of the trial, all surgeons will drink cola. The supplemental oxygen will be administered in a random sequence to all participants until each has received the intervention. The primary outcome measure is the change in concentration performance scores before and after surgery (ΔCP). The secondary outcome measure is the change in maximum voluntary hand grip strength before and after surgery (ΔMVC). The study follows the intention-to-treat principle, including all subjects who have entered the randomization sequence in the analysis of the primary outcomes.

Inclusion criteria

• Surgeons employed at the People's Hospital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, including both Tibetan doctors with long-term experience in high-altitude areas and Han doctors working in high-altitude areas temporarily;
• Capable of serving as the lead surgeon in operations lasting at least 2 hours;
• Having lived and worked continuously in Lhasa for a minimum of 3 months, without traveling to low-altitude areas during this period;
• Fully understanding of this research and willing to sign a written informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

-