The occupational hazards of surgical smoke plume in the operating theatre (Surgical Plume Alliance, 27 June 2022)

Summary

Perioperative practitioners in the UK are universally concerned about the risk surgical smoke plume poses to their health. Yet less than a fifth are aware of any policy being in place to manage this risk within their organisation. The majority of hospitals have plume evacuation equipment in place, but it is only used in the minority of surgical procedures. Almost three-quarters of theatre staff have experienced symptoms associated with exposure to surgical smoke plume. But these symptoms are rarely reported and, when they are, no action is generally taken.

These are the findings of a new report published by the Surgical Plume Alliance (SPA), a joint advocacy initiative between the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) and the International Council on Surgical Plume (ICSP). They aimed to gain a greater understanding of the awareness levels, training, management and policy surrounding surgical smoke plume in the UK.

Content

The report analyses responses from 955 perioperative practitioners – including Registered Nurses, Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) and surgeons – surveyed in late 2021.

Some key findings from the report include:

• Demand for a recognised, national training programme. 52% of perioperative practitioners have not received any education on the hazards of exposure to surgical smoke plume. However, 96% would attend training if it were made available.
• National guidance is needed to mandate the use of evacuation equipment during surgical procedures where surgical smoke plume is generated. 77% of perioperative practitioners do not have evacuation devices available in all operating theatres and procedure rooms at their workplaces. Only 14% said plume evacuation equipment is always used during laparoscopy / endoscopy procedures, where surgical smoke plume is readily generated and can be a hazard to patients as well as staff.
• Consistent, accurate reporting mechanisms are required to allow staff to report negative health symptoms. 72% of perioperative practitioners have experienced symptoms associated with exposure to surgical smoke plume. Only 12% reported these symptoms and, in 77% of cases, no follow-up action was taken.