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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

In Vitro Method to Control Concentrations of Halogenated Gases in Cultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Published on: October 23, 2018
Chemical composition of gases surgeons are exposed to during endoscopic urological resections
Robin Weston1, Richard N Stephenson, Paul W Kutarski
1Department of Urology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Cheshire, UK. robinweston@talktalk.net
Objectives:
To identify any potentially harmful chemical constituents of the gaseous plume produced from urological endoscopic diathermy.
Methods:
Chemical analysis was performed on the gaseous plume produced from prostatic resections and vaporizations using gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography using ultraviolet and visible light detection. In addition, carbon monoxide levels were analyzed using a portable catalytic flammable gas sensor.
Results:
This study identified a cocktail of volatile organic hydrocarbons produced during these procedures, some of which are known carcinogens. The most significant finding being high levels of carbon monoxide.
Conclusions:
From this preliminary study, we advocate the use of smoke evacuator systems for all urologists regularly performing these procedures, and suggest that further research is required to investigate potential long-term complications to the urologist.
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