Abstract
Background
Diathermy smoke is a recognised occupational hazard, exposing staff to smoke equivalent to between 27 and 30 cigarettes each day.1 Consequences of inhalation include acute and chronic inflammatory lung conditions, carcinogenesis and exposure to pathogens including human immunodeficiency virus.2 The Health and Safety Executive recommends that, “If exposure to diathermy emissions can't be prevented then it should be adequately controlled … by Local Exhaust Ventilation”.3 Commercially available smoke extractors are expensive and costly to maintain. The units used in our hospital, for example, cost £2,040 and require perishable filters. Compatible, single-use diathermy pencils cost on average £16.08. We describe an alternative, simple, cost-effective surgeon-modified device, developed by the senior author.
Diathermy smoke is a recognised occupational hazard, exposing staff to smoke equivalent to between 27 and 30 cigarettes each day.1 Consequences of inhalation include acute and chronic inflammatory lung conditions, carcinogenesis and exposure to pathogens including human immunodeficiency virus.2 The Health and Safety Executive recommends that, “If exposure to diathermy emissions can't be prevented then it should be adequately controlled … by Local Exhaust Ventilation”.3 Commercially available smoke extractors are expensive and costly to maintain. The units used in our hospital, for example, cost £2,040 and require perishable filters. Compatible, single-use diathermy pencils cost on average £16.08. We describe an alternative, simple, cost-effective surgeon-modified device, developed by the senior author.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2 |
| Journal | Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 29 Aug 2024 |