Comparison of the Effects of Surgical Smoke on the Air Quality and on the Physical Symptoms of Operating Room Staff

Background Surgical smoke can be a hazard because e it contains toxic gases with carcinogenic effects that may threaten health. This study aims to determine the effect of surgical smoke containing toxic chemicals on indoor air quality and examine employees' physical symptoms in the operating room. Method The study was conducted in the operating room between June 2020 and July 2020. In the study, 45 air samples were taken before, during, and after surgery using the active sampling method. Nineteen employees working in the operating room were asked about their physical complaints and their throat cultures were taken before and after surgery. These results were compared with those of the employees working in internal units. Results The Total Volatile Organic Compounds value at the time of surgery was significantly higher (p <= 0.05). Benzene concentrations remained constantly high (p <= 0.05) throughout the surgery, exceeding the limit values. Other VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) were significantly higher during surgery and remained below the limit values (p <= 0.05). When compared in terms of open and laparoscopic surgery, no difference between VOC concentrations was observed (p <= 0.05). The physical symptoms of the surgical team increased during the operation, and they experienced more complaints of tearing, burning in the eyes, hair odor, nausea, and cough than those working in the internal units (e.g., internal medicine, dermatology; (p <= 0.05). Conclusions Surgical smoke was an important contaminant for indoor air quality in the operating room.