Risks Associated with Exposure to Surgical Smoke Plume: A Review of the Literature
ABSTRACT
ELECTROSURGERY, LASER ABLATION, and ultrasonic scalpel dissection create a gaseous by-product commonly referred to as surgical smoke or plume.
SMOKE EVACUATION DEVICES have been shown to be effective in limiting exposure to the noxious odor and potential health hazards of smoke and plume; however, these devices have not been used routinely and consistently in many ORs.
THIS ARTICLE REVIEWS FIVE QUANTITATIVE research studies that explore the characteristics of smoke plume produced during surgery and presents the evidence of the need for consistent use of smoke evacuation systems. AORN J 86 (December 2007) 1013-1020. © AORN, Inc, 2007.
indicates that continuing education contact hours are available for this activity. Earn the contact hours by reading this article and taking the examination on pages 1021–1022 and then completing the answer sheet and learner evaluation on pages 1023–1024.You also may access this article online at http://www.aornjournal.org.The behavioral objectives and examination for this program were prepared by Rebecca Holm, RN, MSN, CNOR, clinical editor, with consultation from Susan Bakewell, RN, MS, BC, director, Center for Perioperative Education. Ms Holm and Ms Bakewell have no declared affiliations that could be perceived as a potential conflicts of interest in publishing this article.This program meets criteria for CNOR and CRNFA recertification, as well as other continuing education requirements.AORN is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.AORN is provider-approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 13019. Check with your state board of nursing for acceptance of this activity for relicensure.
PII: S0001-2092(07)00443-7
doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2007.07.005
© 2007 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.