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KNOWLEDGE AND EVALUATION OF CONTROL OF EXPOSURE TO SURGICAL PLUME: THE SOUTH/SOUTH NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

Oyana N. E., Akpor O.A., Eze I. G.

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1.      Introduction

Electro-surgery technology involves the use of high frequency electrical current to denature tissue protein molecules, resulting in coagulation and closing of the affected blood vessels. This as well as laser surgeries and ultrasonic devices generate smoke/plumes ^[4,6].   The plumes are made up of 95% water and 5% debris, these debris are chemicals, blood, tissue particles, viruses and bacteria ^[8].

The particulates measure approximately 0.07-6.5 micron ^[5]. Studies have shown that these particulates are quite capable of being deposited in the walls of any part of the respiratory system while smaller ones about 2 microns can even go as deep as the bronchioles and alveoli ^[7]. It is an established fact 77% of particles found in plumes are less than 1.1 micrometer with mean diameter being 0.07 and a mean diameter of 0.22 to 0.056 micrometer in the inspiration range ^[8]. This means that plumes can easily penetrate the pores of surgical masks making it a poor protective gadget against the exposure as a result, operating theatre personnel using only face masks do not stand a chance against surgical plume exposure hazards.

Furthermore, International Agency for Research on Cancer ^[10], listed some of the constituents as being carcinogenic and mutagenic.Little wonder most developed countries have put measures in place to curb unnecessary exposure of their operating room staff  to surgical fumes. Many have enacted laws, regulations and policies to check exposures to these toxic plumes. Some others places standards and guidelines to be followed during smoke generating procedures while some other use technological control measures to protect their operating theatre personnel ^[11,5,12].

Despite overwhelming evidence that exposure to surgical smoke is harmful to humans, many developing nations in Africa are yet to have any meaningful policy or even worthwhile measures towards elimination of surgical plumes from their operating rooms.This study is therefore aimed at evaluating measures put in place by various operating theatre personnel and management in curbing continuous exposure to surgical plumes in South-South Nigeria.

The objective of this study is to assess measures used in curbing exposure to surgical plumes in Nigeria

Specifically, the study aims to assess knowledge level of preventive measures and availability of surgical smoke elimination measures in operating theatres in South-South Nigeria.