The main components of surgical smoke

Surgical smoke, also called aerosol, diathermy plume, is composed of 95% water or steam and 5% of cell debris in the form of particles. 

A large number of studies have shown that 5% of cell debris in surgical smoke contains active viruses, inactive particles, and blood-borne pathogens: There are virus genes, viruses and active cells in the smoke produced by laser cutting tissue, which is potentially infectious; Since the steam produced by the ultrasonic knife is vaporized at low temperature, the steam may carry more infectious or active substances; In addition, electrosurgical tools such as high-speed planers and bone saws can vaporize HIV-containing blood and produce surgical smoke containing active HIV.

There are other harmful substances, such as: CO, acrolein, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, etc. and even cause cancer.

The hazards of surgical smoke

In 1985, "surgical smoke" was officially recognized as a major hazard internationally. 

Surgical smoke not only obstructs the sight of operators, but also releases toxic and harmful substances into the air. It can cause headaches, inflammation of the eyes and mucous membranes and other symptoms in the operating room, and it may also cause long-term potential harm to human health. 

For many years, people thought that the nausea and vomiting of patients during laparoscopic surgery was the cause of anesthetic gas, but studies have shown that the possibility of surgical smoke is high.