Chemical composition of gases surgeons are exposed to during endoscopic urological resections.
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.
Weston
Robin
R
Department of Urology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Cheshire, UK. robinweston@talktalk.net
Stephenson
Richard N
RN
Kutarski
Paul W
PW
Parr
Nigel J
NJ
D004564:Electrocoagulation; D004724:Endoscopy; D005740:Gases / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate; D014572:Urology
D005740:Gases