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. 2009 Nov;74(5):1152-4.
doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2009.04.100. Epub 2009 Sep 16.

Chemical composition of gases surgeons are exposed to during endoscopic urological resections

Robin Weston  1 , Richard N Stephenson, Paul W Kutarski, Nigel J Parr
Affiliations

Chemical composition of gases surgeons are exposed to during endoscopic urological resections

Robin Weston et al. Urology. 2009 Nov.

Abstract

Objectives: 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.

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  • Editorial comment.
    Hegarty NJ. Hegarty NJ. Urology. 2009 Nov;74(5):1154-5; author reply 1155. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2009.05.086. Urology. 2009. PMID: 19883846 No abstract available.

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