Abstract
BackgroundTo evaluate noise hazard during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), we designed a study to detect such a risk in this procedure.MethodsThis study was conducted over a 12-month period on 223 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 121 of whom underwent HoLEP while those remaining underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). A sound level meter was used to detect the exposure of surgeons to noise. The recordings used were in accordance with the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Moreover, each of the 43 surgeons participating in a BPH discussion conference answered the questionnaire on the influence of noise, and 33 surgeons in our department volunteered for blood pressure monitoring post-surgically.ResultsThe sound level produced by a high-powered holmium laser emitter during HoLEP was 67.37 ± 0.13 dB, which was significantly higher than the sound heard during TURP (46.41 ± 0.29 dB, P < 0.01). The 65–70 dB noise during HoLEP was proved to be a safe level in accordance with the OSHA standards. However, this level was considerably greater than the stated 55 dB. Moreover, it exceeded the normal communication protective level of 60 dB. In the analysis of responses from the surgeons, the HoLEP group obtained an average score that reflected disturbance caused by the laser emitter and an increase in average systolic pressure relative to that in the TURP group.ConclusionsThe noise level during HoLEP is within hearing conservation levels. However, the noise disturbs intrateam communication and concentration during surgery. Some surgeons may experience discomfort post-surgically, but no significant difference among the groups is indicated. The findings suggest that measures should be taken to address the noise caused by the laser emitter during HoLEP.
Highlights
To evaluate noise hazard during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), we designed a study to detect such a risk in this procedure
Average sound levels were that in the HoLEP group, the laser emitter caused disrecorded during surgery, and the sound range was mea- turbance
The sound level munication/ concentration by noise?” was significantly meter (Control Company, Friendswood, TX) produced higher in the HoLEP group than in the Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) group; by Thomas Scientific was used to measure the sound in no significant difference in hearing function decibels
Summary
To evaluate noise hazard during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), we designed a study to detect such a risk in this procedure. With the development of minimally invasive surgery, holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) has been widely used worldwide and is considered as the “new golden standard” for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) [1]. One of the potential risks of surgery for doctors is noise exposure. Ambient noise exhibits a tendency to affect performance during surgery, causing decreased concentration and mental loading during surgery; dexterity is decreased, as shown in the simulation video [3, 4]. The present study is the first to evaluate the influence of noise produced during HoLEP on urological surgeons
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