The case for compulsory surgical smoke evacuation systems in the operating theatre

Journal article

Rodger, D. (2021). The case for compulsory surgical smoke evacuation systems in the operating theatre. Clinical Ethics. https://doi.org/10.1177/14777509211063589
AuthorsRodger, D.
Abstract

Perioperative staff are frequently exposed to surgical smoke created by using heat-generating devices like diathermy and lasers. This is a concern due to mounting evidence that this exposure can be harmful with no safe level of exposure yet identified. First, I briefly summarise the problem posed by surgical smoke exposure and highlight that many healthcare organisations are not sufficiently satisfying their legal and ethical responsibilities to protect their staff from potential harm. Second, I explore the ethical case for compulsory smoke evacuation systems using the principlist framework and its four ethical principles-autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. I then consider some objections and argue that surgical smoke evacuation systems-when indicated-should be made compulsory.

KeywordsSurgical smoke, Ethics, Autonomy, Beneficence, Justice, Patient Safety, Healthcare, Perioperative, Surgery
Year2021
JournalClinical Ethics
PublisherSpringer
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/14777509211063589
Publication dates
Print25 Nov 2021
Publication process dates
Accepted07 Nov 2021
Deposited14 Feb 2022
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Open
Accepted author manuscript
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Accepted version
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