P J Capizzi1, R P Clay, M J Battey. 1. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With the increasing use of laser resurfacing, concerns have arisen about the biological hazards associated with the procedure. This study analyzed the potential bacterial and viral exposure to operating room personnel as a result of the laser smoke plume in CO2 laser resurfacing. STUDY DESIGN/ MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients underwent CO2 laser resurfacing. A HEPA filter in the smoke evacuator was used to collect specimens of the laser plume smoke for cultures. The study was controlled by a second filter exposed to room air. RESULTS: The 13 patients each had one bacterial, one viral, and one control culture (total, 39 specimens). In the control group, none of the 13 specimens had any growth. No viral growth has been found to date. Of 13 bacterial cultures, 5 resulted in growth of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Of these five positive specimens, one also had growth of Corynebacterium and one had growth of Neisseria. CONCLUSION: The potential exists for operating personnel to be exposed to viable bacteria during laser resurfacing.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With the increasing use of laser resurfacing, concerns have arisen about the biological hazards associated with the procedure. This study analyzed the potential bacterial and viral exposure to operating room personnel as a result of the laser smoke plume in CO2 laser resurfacing. STUDY DESIGN/ MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients underwent CO2 laser resurfacing. A HEPA filter in the smoke evacuator was used to collect specimens of the laser plume smoke for cultures. The study was controlled by a second filter exposed to room air. RESULTS: The 13 patients each had one bacterial, one viral, and one control culture (total, 39 specimens). In the control group, none of the 13 specimens had any growth. No viral growth has been found to date. Of 13 bacterial cultures, 5 resulted in growth of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Of these five positive specimens, one also had growth of Corynebacterium and one had growth of Neisseria. CONCLUSION: The potential exists for operating personnel to be exposed to viable bacteria during laser resurfacing.
Authors: Yousef Elmashae; Richard H Koehler; Michael Yermakov; Tiina Reponen; Sergey A Grinshpun Journal: Aerosol Sci Technol Date: 2017-09-29 Impact factor: 2.908
Authors: Yakir S Levin; Michael P Grant; Eric Glassford; Brett J Green; Angela R Lemons; Mathew M Avram Journal: Dermatol Surg Date: 2021-08-01 Impact factor: 2.914
Authors: James Ansell; Neil Warren; Pete Wall; Kim Cocks; Stuart Goddard; Richard Whiston; Michael Stechman; David Scott-Coombes; Jared Torkington Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2014-02-26 Impact factor: 4.584
Authors: Francesco Romano; Jan Gustén; Stefano De Antonellis; Cesare M Joppolo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2017-01-30 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Markus Karjalainen; Anton Kontunen; Sampo Saari; Topi Rönkkö; Jukka Lekkala; Antti Roine; Niku Oksala Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-04-12 Impact factor: 3.240