Noise in Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery Operating Rooms

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Operating room (OR) noise is a known factor contributing to miscommunication.
• This can potentially lead to adverse patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• Quantify noise levels during endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery.
• Assess operating room team members' perceptions of noise during these procedures.

Main Methods:

• Noise levels were measured using the SoundMeter X application at the ear-level of surgical staff.
• A six-question questionnaire was administered to operating room team members post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Over 1400 noise measurements were recorded across 353 surgical trials.
• Surgeons and scrub nurses experienced significantly higher noise exposure compared to circulating nurses and anesthesiologists.
• 40% of respondents found noise problematic, and 38% reported communication issues due to noise.

Conclusions:

• Surgeons and scrub nurses face elevated noise exposure during endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeries.
• Noise is perceived as a significant communication barrier by operating room staff.
• Implementing noise-reduction strategies could enhance communication and patient safety in these surgical settings.