Exposure to electrocautery smoke: risk to the health of surgical personnel

Abstract

Surgery has made significant progress throughout history by addressing three key challenges: pain, infection and bleeding. These achievements have been achieved through the introduction of anesthesia, aseptic and antiseptic practices, the use of antimicrobial therapy and the adoption of Halstedian surgical techniques. Innovations such as blood vessel ligation, diagnostic imaging techniques, advances in organ transplants and nutritional therapies have also contributed to improved surgical outcomes.

However, the use of technologies such as electrocautery and laser surgery generates surgical smoke, which poses health risks to surgical personnel due to its aerosolized components. Since the 1980s, health problems related to continuous exposure to this smoke have been documented, including headaches, airway irritation, dermatitis and risk of transmission of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The impact of daily exposure to surgical smoke can be as serious as the damage caused by passive smoking. Studies suggest that tissue destruction using techniques such as laser ablation and electrocautery can have effects similar to smoking multiple cigarettes. Despite the risks, there is a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals about surgical smoke. Therefore, increased education and training is essential to promote a safer surgical environment.