The effect of a smoke‐evacuation unit on ultrafine particle concentrations in the operating room during approach to the proximal tibia for tibial plateau‐leveling osteotomy surgery in dogs

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a smoke‐evacuation unit on reducing ultrafine particle concentration in the operating room (OR) during the approach to the proximal tibia for tibial plateau‐leveling osteotomy (TPLO).Study designProspective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.Sample populationTwenty‐nine client‐owned dogs undergoing unilateral TPLO at a single institution were assigned to either smoke‐evacuator groups (SE; n = 15) or non–smoke‐evacuator groups (NSE; n = 14).MethodsDogs were randomly assigned to the SE group or the NSE group. An airborne particle measuring device measured and recorded baseline and intraoperative particles per cm3 (ppc) during the approach to the proximal tibia during which electrosurgery was used to provide hemostasis, dissect subcutis, transect and elevate fascia. The mean ppc, maximum ppc, and baseline ppc were compared between groups. Mean ppc was also compared to the baseline ppc within each group.ResultsDuring surgery, mean ppc (1352) and maximum ppc (62 450) for the NSE group were higher in than mean ppc (763) and maximum ppc (10 100) for the SE group (P < .0001, P < .0001, respectively). Mean ppc was higher in both SE (mean ppc = 763; P < .0001) and NSE (mean ppc = 1352; P = .0001) than their respective baseline ppc (213 and 240).ConclusionThe use of a smoke evacuator decreased particle concentrations 56.4% during the approach to the proximal tibia. Performing the approach to the proximal tibia resulted in higher particle concentrations than the baseline, regardless of smoke‐evacuator use.Clinical significanceSurgeons should be aware of smoke produced by electrosurgery, potential health consequences, and methods of smoke mitigation (smoke evacuation).