Analysis of the changes of PM10 concentration in surgical smoke

Abstract

Objective To investigate the changes of inhalable particulate matter (PM10) concentration in operating room and its influencing factors under different surgical methods and procedures. Methods From June to August 2016, 23 cases of open surgery and 10 cases of laparoscopic surgery in a hospital were selected by convenience sampling method. The change of PM10 concentration during operation was monitored by P-5 digital dust meter. The measuring position was in the area of laminar air supply ceiling device (the position of the surgeon's mouth and nose is equal, and the vertical distance above the incision is 50 cm) or outside the area of the laminar air supply ceiling device (working area of itinerant nurses) . The effects of different surgical methods (open surgery and endoscopic surgery) and surgical procedures (patient admission, disinfection of skin, exposure of surgical field, tissue separation, incision closure and end of operation) on the concentration of PM10 were recorded and analyzed. Results The concentration of PM10 in 33 surgeries with different surgical procedures met the national ambient air quality standards. The average PM10 concentration of the 6 surgical procedures was (14.21±3.86) μg/m3. Comparing between open surgery and laparoscopic surgery, there were significant differences in PM10 concentration between the two groups in terms of admission, disinfection of skin, field exposure, tissue separation, incision closure and end of operation (U/t=-4.45, 10.37, 7.52, 4.90, 8.08, -4.39; P<0.05) . There were significant differences in PM10 concentration in patients whether to use high frequency electric knife or not in terms of admission, disinfection of skin, field exposure, tissue separation, incision closure and end of operation (U/t=-4.51, 7.22, 6.96, 5.24, 8.60, -4.36; P<0.05) . Conclusions The concentration of PM10 in the whole surgical process complies with national standards. The change of PM10 concentration during surgery is related to different surgical methods and the use of high frequency electric knife. Key words: Surgical procedures, operative; Smog; PM10; Concentration; Air quality; Operative method; Operative procedure; High frequency electric knife