Importance: Smoke generated during surgical procedures has long been thought to be hazardous to hospital personnel; however, the degree of danger has yet to be determined.
Observations: The dangers of surgical smoke are associated with the composition of the plume. Small-particulate matter is found in the smoke that is easily inhaled. Particulates deposit in the lungs, circulatory system, and other organs, which may cause numerous health problems. The smoke also contains many gaseous compounds known to cause cancer. The type of tissue and the form of cautery have been shown to alter the composition of the surgical smoke. Well-cited articles have asserted that daily inhaled surgical smoke could be equivalent to smoking dozens of cigarettes. Unsafe levels of cancer-causing compounds have been found in the smoke. However, there is no firm evidence that operating room personnel show increased cancer rates compared with the general population. Data implicating other forms of passively inhaled smoke, such as fumes associated with cooking and wood burning, are likely comparable to the smoke issued during surgical procedures. Most operating rooms do not require smoke evacuation, and the elimination techniques are variable. Most systems rely on dispersion and, possibly, mechanical evacuation and filtration. Newer electric filters show promise but require more development.
Conclusions and relevance: Surgical smoke is dangerous, but the severity of the risk has yet to be determined. Therefore, no safe level is known at this point. Efforts should be made to reduce and possibly eliminate smoke from the operating room. Research into cost-effective forms of smoke evacuation is necessary. Studies of respiratory and cancer sequelae of exposure to operating room smoke in personnel who have had long-term exposure to surgical smoke is also needed.