The utility of local smoke evacuation in reducing surgical smoke exposure in spine surgery: a prospective self-controlled study
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Results: The para incisional smoke evacuator significantly reduced the average smoke level by an average of 59.7% (287 [interquartile range {IQR}: 126, 526] vs. 1,177 [IQR: 395, 2,702], p<.001). The surgical smoke evacuation pencil also reduced the average smoke level by an average of 44.1% (917 [IQR: 448, 1936] vs. 1,605 [IQR: 775, 4,280], p<.001). Both evacuators significantly reduced peak smoke levels as well.
Conclusions: This study provides evidence supporting the utility of local smoke evacuation in reducing surgical smoke exposure in spine surgery. Such technology may help to improve the occupational health protection for spine operating room workers.
