A quantitative analysis of surgical smoke-derived particulate matter and formaldehyde exposure during spine surgery: a possible occupational hazard

OBJECTIVE Since its introduction, electrocautery has served as a valuable surgical tool, enabling precise tissue cutting and effective hemostasis in spine surgery. While there have been numerous efforts to elucidate the possible hazardous effects of surgical smoke in various surgical fields, there has been very little discussion in the context of spine surgery. The objective of this study was to measure and conduct a quantitative analysis of the particulate matter (PM) of different sizes and of formaldehyde (HCHO) generated by smoke during spine surgeries. METHODS This study included a consecutive series of patients who underwent 1- or 2-level lumbar spinal fusion surgery between June and November 2021. Particle counts were measured using a particle counter, specifically focusing on six different sizes of PM (0.3, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mu m). Additionally, measurements were taken for HCHO in parts per million (ppm). Monopolar cautery was used in the surgical setting. Systematic measurements were conducted at specific time points during the surgical procedures to assess the levels of PM and HCHO. Furthermore, the efficacy of surgical smoke suction was evaluated by comparing the PM levels with and without adjacent placement of suction. RESULTS This study involved 35 patients, with measurements of both PM and HCHO taken in 27 cases. The remaining 8 cases had measurements only for PM. In this study, statistically significant quantitative changes in various PM sizes were observed when electrocautery was used during spine surgery (12.3 +/- 1.7 vs 1975.7 +/- 422.8, 3.4 +/- 0.5 vs 250.1 +/- 45.7, and 1.9 +/- 0.2 vs 78.1 +/- 13.3, respectively, for 2.5-, 5-, and 10-mu m PM; p < 0.05). The level of HCHO was also significantly higher (0.085 +/- 0.006 vs 0.131 +/- 0.014 ppm, p < 0.05) with electrocautery use. Utilization of adjacent suction of surgical smoke during electrocautery demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in PM levels. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study highlight the potential surgical smoke-related hazards that spine surgeons may be exposed to in the operating room. Implementing simple interventions, such as utilizing nearby suction, can effectively minimize the amount of toxic surgical smoke and mitigate these risks.