Hazards of surgical smoke from electrocautery: A critical review of the data (8 February 2024)

Summary

Concerns have been voiced about the possibility of health risks to operating room staff from exposure to surgical smoke generated from electrocautery. This study reviewed available literature to try and assess this risk. The authors concluded that:

• Regulations on Surgical Smoke that supersede the best judgement of the surgeon are not warranted.
• The extent of particulate pollution from surgical smoke has been overstated and drawing parallels between exposure to surgical smoke and cigarette smoking is not justified.
• Numerous studies consistently report negligible levels of pollutants associated with surgical smoke within the operating room's breathable air.
• While transmission of HPV through surgical smoke is a theoretical concern, conclusive evidence supporting the claim is yet to be established.