title: Chemical composition of gases surgeons are exposed to during endoscopic urological resections.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify any potentially harmful chemical constituents of the gaseous plume produced from urological endoscopic diathermy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chemical analysis was performed on the gaseous plume produced from prostatic resections and vaporizations using gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography using ultraviolet and visible light detection. In addition, carbon monoxide levels were analyzed using a portable catalytic flammable gas sensor.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study identified a cocktail of volatile organic hydrocarbons produced during these procedures, some of which are known carcinogens. The most significant finding being high levels of carbon monoxide.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  From this preliminary study, we advocate the use of smoke evacuator systems for all urologists regularly performing these procedures, and suggest that further research is required to investigate potential long-term complications to the urologist.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Cheshire, UK. robinweston@talktalk.net
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weston
authors.forename: Richard N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Stephenson
authors.forename: Paul W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Kutarski
authors.forename: Nigel J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Parr
mesh_terms: D004564:Electrocoagulation; D004724:Endoscopy; D005740:Gases / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate; D014572:Urology
chemical_list: D005740:Gases