Surgical smoke and infection control

Gaseous byproducts produced during electrocautery, laser surgery or the use of ultrasonic scalpels are usually referred to as 'surgical smoke'. This smoke, produced with or without a heating process, contains bio-aerosols with viable and non-viable cellular material that subsequently poses a risk of infection (human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus) and causes irritation to the lungs leading to acute and chronic inflammatory changes. Furthermore, cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects have been demonstrated. The American Occupational Safety and Health Administration have estimated that 500 000 workers are exposed to laser and etectrosurgical. smoke each year. The use of standard surgical masks alone does not provide adequate protection from surgical smoke. White higher quality filter masks and/or double masking may increase the filtration capabitity, a smoke evacuation device or fitter placed near (2-5 cm) the etectrocautery blade or on endoscope valves offers additional. (and necessary) safety for operating personnel and patients. (c) 2005 The Hospital. Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.