O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 2 9
bon monoxide is produced during laparo-
scopic procedures. The carbon monoxide
that's absorbed by patients increases post-
operative peripheral blood carboxyhemo-
globin levels and intra-abdominal carbon
monoxide concentrations. Elevated car-
boxyhemoglobin at sufficient levels can
result in nausea, headaches, dizziness and
weakness.
9
The same research demon-
strating the viability of HIV in surgical
plume also demonstrated that the virus
remained viable for up to 2 weeks.
6
Implementing smoke evacuation devices
limits the amount of smoke that settles into the body cavity during surgical
procedures and reduces the risk of disease transmission.
Promoting personal protection
Improvements have been made to the overall awareness of the dangers of sur-
gical smoke, but smoke evacuation devices still aren't used in all facilities. A
2010 survey of AORN members evaluated differences in rates of wall suction
and smoke evacuator use over time. According to the survey's results, there
was no change in the implementation of smoke evacuators between 2007 and
2010. Depending upon the procedure being performed, usage rates were as
high as 85%, but also as low as 11%.
Even though rates for smoke evacuator usage did not change and the preva-
lence of usage was low for some procedures, over the same time period wall
suction use, a much less efficient smoke evacuation option, increased signifi-
cantly. However, neither device resulted in 100% compliance with these engi-
neering controls, regardless of the procedure.
10
It's important to note that the
InstaPoll
We use a smoke evacuation device
in every case that's appropriate.
Strongly agree 42%
Agree 14%
Unsure 17%
Disagree 17%
Strongly disagree 10%
SOURCE: Outpatient Surgery
Magazine InstaPoll, n=229
