Measurement of the Smoke Generation Rate During Monopolar Electrosurgery

Abstract

The generation of surgical smoke during laparoscopic surgery is an important factor that determines visual obstruction. In this experimental study, the rate of generation of smoke was measured in a benchtop model by using a monopolar device with ham steaks at different power settings in cut and coagulation modes. In addition, the temperature distribution in the surgical field was measured using an infrared camera. At a constant power setting, higher smoke release rates were found in coagulation mode compared to the cut mode. Higher values for the generation rate of smoke were found at higher power settings in cut mode. Power settings did not have an effect on smoke generation rate in the coagulation modes.