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Hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy safety considerations
S K White1, A D Stephens, P H Sugarbaker
1Department of General Surgery/Shock-Trauma, Perioperative Clinical Nursing Division, Washington (DC) Hospital Center, USA.
AORN Journal
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Perioperative staff face new risks from cytotoxic agents used in hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIIC). Guidelines exist to protect healthcare workers and patients from these occupational exposure hazards.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Occupational Health
- Surgical Safety
Background:
- Perioperative staff are increasingly exposed to occupational hazards.
- Cytotoxic agent exposure is an emerging risk, particularly with hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIIC) for abdominopelvic malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the occupational exposure hazards of cytotoxic agents for perioperative staff.
- To emphasize the importance of adhering to established guidelines for safe handling and administration.
Main Methods:
- Review of occupational exposure risks associated with cytotoxic agents in the perioperative setting.
- Identification of exposure routes including inhalation, ingestion, injection, and skin contact.
- Examination of guidelines from regulatory bodies for safe handling.
Main Results:
- Cytotoxic agents pose significant occupational exposure risks to perioperative teams.
- Multiple exposure routes necessitate comprehensive safety protocols.
- Existing guidelines from NCI, OSHA, and The Joint Commission offer a framework for risk mitigation.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare institutions must implement policies and educational programs based on established guidelines.
- Protecting surgical patients and perioperative staff from cytotoxic agent exposure is paramount.
- Proactive risk management is essential in the evolving landscape of cancer treatment.