Introduction: During the use of electrosurgical instruments, as a result of the thermal destruction of tissues, aerosols with different contents are released in the working environment.
Aim: The aim of the literature review is to investigate the characteristics of surgical smoke from the use of electrocoagulators and electrocutters, and to analyze good practices in the prevention of health risks from its exposure.
Main Part: The most widely spread toxic agents in electrocautery smoke are hydrocarbons, nitriles, fatty acids, and phenols. The levels of volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide in the breathing zone of professionals using the equipment are well below the permissible exposure limits. Despite conflicting results on possible airborne transmission of viruses with surgical smoke, only human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission remains proven. There is insufficient evidence for the potential transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis, which we currently consider to be a negligible risk. Possible preventive programs include technical measures to reduce exposure through general and local ventilation, organizational measures to limit time in the environment, medical prophylaxis and personal protective equipment.
Conclusion: The content of surgical smoke when using electrocoagulation and laser equipment creates chemical, physicochemical, and biological risks for the health of surgical teams. Prevention practices that have proven to be effective include the use of personal protective equipment and general ventilation with a local smoke evacuation system. Smoke evacuation systems or suction devices must be located less than 5 cm from the source of the smoke to avoid exceeding the limit concentrations of toxic agents in the breathing zone of the equipment operators.
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