Composition of volatile organic compounds in diathermy plume as detected by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry.
BACKGROUND
There is some evidence that surgical plume may pose a risk to health professionals, but the risks posed by volatile organic compounds have not been thoroughly investigated.


METHODS
The composition of volatile organic compounds in diathermy plume produced during surgery was analysed by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry.


RESULTS
Hydrogen cyanide (3-51 parts per million), acetylene (2-8 parts per million), and 1,3-butadiene (0.15-0.69 parts per million) were identified in the plume.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there is no evidence of adverse health effects from the volatile organic compound in diathermy plume, the evidence that it is safe to breathe this plume is lacking. Therefore, we would recommend the use of smoke evacuators where practical.
Moot
Andrew R
AR
Department of Surgery, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch, New Zealand. armoot@yahoo.com
Ledingham
Katherine M
KM
Wilson
Paul F
PF
Senthilmohan
Senti T
ST
Lewis
David R
DR
Roake
Justin
J
Allardyce
Randall
R
D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D000114:Acetylene / Q000032:analysis; D002070:Butadienes / Q000032:analysis; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide / Q000032:analysis; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis*; D013396:Suction; D014835:Volatilization
D002070:Butadienes; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide; D000114:Acetylene