| Abstract: |
Since the introduction of medical applications of laser and electrosurgical techniques, exposure to pyrolysis products formed during interventions (surgical smoke) is a source of worry and study. Surgical smoke is a mixture of extremely diverse substances, present as gases, vapours and solid or liquid aerosols, and which can present (almost) all the possible effects of hazardous products, local or systemic, reversible or irreversible. Thermal decomposition of tissues mainly produces a strong smell leading to operator discomfort, or even disgust. Finally, it has been established that surgical smoke can contain biologically active elements (cells, cellular fragments, viruses etc.) .Surgical smoke is the gaseous by-product formed during surgical procedures. Most surgeons, operating theatre staff and administrators are unaware of its potential health risks. Surgical smoke is produced by various surgical instruments including those used in electrocautery, lasers, ultrasonic scalpels, high speed drills, burrs and saws. The potential risks include carbon monoxide toxicity to the patient undergoing a laparoscopic operation, pulmonary fibrosis induced by non-viable particles, and transmission of infectious diseases like human papilloma virus. Cytotoxicity and mutagenicity are other concerns ..
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