scholarly journals Characterisation of trocar associated gas leaks during laparoscopic surgery

Author(s):  
Daniel Robertson ◽  
Frank Sterke ◽  
Willem van Weteringen ◽  
Alberto Arezzo ◽  
Yoav Mintz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background During laparoscopy, the abdominal cavity is insufflated with carbon dioxide (CO2) that could become contaminated with viruses and surgical smoke. Medical staff is potentially exposed when this gas leaks into the operating room through the instruments and past trocar valves. No detailed studies currently exist that have quantified these leakage pathways. Therefore, the goal of this study was to quantify the gas leakages through trocars and instruments, during minimally invasive procedures. Methods A model of the surgical environment was created, consisting of a rigid container with an interface for airtight clamping of laparoscopic equipment such as trocars and surgical instruments. The model was insufflated to 15 mm Hg using a pressure generator and a pneumotachograph measured the equipment gas leak. A protocol of several use cases was designed to simulate the motions and forces the surgeon exerts on the trocar during surgery. Results Twenty-three individual trocars and twenty-six laparoscopic instruments were measured for leakage under the different conditions of the protocol. Trocar leakages varied between 0 L/min and more than 30 L/min, the instruments revealed a range of leakages between 0 L/min and 5.5 L/min. The results showed that leakage performance varied widely between trocars and instruments and that the performance and location of the valves influenced trocar leakage. Conclusions We propose trocar redesigns to overcome specific causes of gas leaks. Moreover, an international testing standard for CO2 leakage for all new trocars and instruments is needed so surgical teams can avoid this potential health hazard when selecting new equipment.

Author(s):  
Martina Michaelis ◽  
Felix Martin Hofmann ◽  
Albert Nienhaus ◽  
Udo Eickmann

(1) Background: Hazardous substances in surgical smoke that is generated during laser or electrosurgery pose a potential health hazard. In Germany, the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS 525) have included recommendations for appropriate protective measures since 2014. Up to now, no empirical data has been available on the extent to which recommendations have been implemented in practice. (2) Methods: In 2018, 7089 surgeons in hospitals and outpatient practices were invited by email to participate in an online survey. In addition, 219 technical assistants were interviewed. The questionnaire dealt with knowledge of, and attitudes toward, the hazard potential of surgical smoke, as well as the availability and actual use of protective measures. Furthermore, manufacturers and distributors of smoke extraction devices were asked to give their assessment of the development of prevention in recent years. (3) Results: The survey response rate was 5% (surgeons) and 65% (technical assistant staff). Half of all surgeons assumed that there were high health hazards of surgical smoke without taking protective measures. Operating room nurses were more often concerned (88%). Only a few felt properly informed about the topic. The TRGS recommendations had been read by a minority of the respondents. In total, 52% of hospital respondents and 65% of the respondents in outpatient facilities reported any type of special suction system to capture surgical smoke. One-fifth of respondents from hospitals reported that technical measures had improved since the introduction of the TRGS 525. Fifty-one percent of the surgeons in hospitals and 70% of the surgeons in outpatient facilities “mostly” or “always” paid attention to avoiding surgical smoke. The most important reason for non-compliance with recommendations was a lack of problem awareness or thoughtlessness. Twelve industrial interviewees who assessed the situation and the development of prevention in practice largely confirmed the prevention gaps observed; only slight developments were observed in recent years. (4) Conclusions: The low response rate among surgeons and the survey results both indicate a major lack of interest and knowledge. Among other measures, team interventions with advanced training are needed in the future.


1998 ◽  
Vol 168 (07) ◽  
pp. 767-791 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.G. Ptitsyna ◽  
G. Villoresi ◽  
L.I. Dorman ◽  
N. Iucci ◽  
Marta I. Tyasto

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 434
Author(s):  
Pascaline Bahati ◽  
Xuejun Zeng ◽  
Ferdinand Uzizerimana ◽  
Ariunsaikhan Tsoggerel ◽  
Muhammad Awais ◽  
...  

In the food industry, microbiological safety is a major concern. Mycotoxin patulin represents a potential health hazard, as it is heat-resistant and may develop at any stage during the food chain, especially in apple-based products, leading to severe effects on human health, poor quality products, and profit reductions. The target of the study was to identify and characterize an excellent adsorbent to remove patulin from apple juice efficiently and to assess its adsorption mechanism. To prevent juice fermentation and/or contamination, autoclaving was involved to inactivate bacteria before the adsorption process. The HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) outcome proved that all isolated strains from kefir grains could reduce patulin from apple juice. A high removal of 93% was found for juice having a 4.6 pH, 15° Brix, and patulin concentration of 100 μg/L by Lactobacillus kefiranofacien, named JKSP109, which was morphologically the smoothest and biggest of all isolates in terms of cell wall volume and surface area characterized by SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy). C=O, OH, C–H, and N–O were the main functional groups engaged in patulin adsorption indicated by FTIR (Fourier transform–infrared). E-nose (electronic nose) was performed to evaluate the aroma quality of the juices. PCA (Principal component analysis) results showed that no significant changes occurred between control and treated juice.


2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirian Ueda Yamaguchi ◽  
Rita de Cássia Pontello Rampazzo ◽  
Sueli Fumie Yamada-Ogatta ◽  
Celso Vataru Nakamura ◽  
Tânia Ueda-Nakamura ◽  
...  

The main objective of this study was to analyse the occurrence of yeasts and filamentous fungi in drinking water as well as to investigate their correlation with the indicator bacteria of faecal pollution. Yeasts were detected in 36.6% and 11.6% of the bottled mineral on water dispensers and tap water samples from municipal system, respectively. Twenty-one (35.0%) of bottled mineral water and two (3.3%) of tap water samples were positive for filamentous fungi. For bottled mineral water 12 (20.0%) of 60 samples were positive for total coliform, compared with 3(5.0%)out of 60 samples from tap water. The mineral water from dispensers was more contaminated than tap water. Strains belonging to the genera Candida identified to the species level were C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata and C. albicans. Thus, bottled mineral water from water dispensers and tap water could be considered a possible transmission route for filamentous fungi and yeasts, and could constitute a potential health hazard, mainly to immunocompromised indivuals.


1979 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROBERT M. TWEDT ◽  
BRENDA K. BOUTIN

Several coliform species other than Escherichia coli are often associated with and possibly responsible for acute and chronic diarrheal disease. Recent evidence suggests that non-Escherichia coli coliforms may be capable of colonizing the human intestine and producing enterotoxin(s) in high-yield. Whether these organisms are newly capable of causing disease because of infestation with extrachromosomal factors mediating pathogenicity or simply because of inherent pathogenic capabilities that have gone unrecognized, they pose a potential health hazard. Food, medical, and public health microbiologists should be aware that the non-E. coli coliforms contaminating foods may be potential enteropathogens. This possibility may make determination of their pathogenic capabilities even more important than identification of their taxonomic characteristics.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-111
Author(s):  
M. M. Smirnova

The presence of hepatotoxic cyanotoxins of microcystin group has been recorded in the southern part of the Curonian Lagoon annually since 2010. Because of unique natural features and cultural heritage, the Curonian Spit and the Curonian Lagoon are involved into diverse recreational usage. The potential health hazard due to microcystins is, thus, an inherent problem of the area. Rapid immunochromatographic semi-quantitative test (Microcystin Strip Test, Abraxis Ltd) was applied for the detection of microcystins in water samples from littoral zone. Samples were collected twice per month in May – November 2017 at six monitoring sites around the Lagoon. For the first time, the presence of toxic metabolites of cyanobacteria (microcystins) in the whole littoral of the southern part of the Curonian Lagoon during vegetation season was established. As previously noted, microcystins were present in water samples in summer and autumn. During May it were not found. The highest values (5–10 µg per litre) were recorded in the late June and during September at the Curonian Spit. These values were rather low in comparison with those of 2011–2016. From mid-to-late October toxins were recorded twice only, at the Curonian Spit. At the eastern and southern coasts maximal value was 5 µg per litre (once at the end of September). In other samples toxins were not detected or their values did not exceed 2.5 µg per litre.


Two wheelers like motorbikes and scooters are one of the major transports in India. In major cities and towns, it is most common private transport as it is fast and easy approach to the destination. But the prolonged drive in the two-wheeler leads to the potential health hazard and musco-skeletal disorder due to continuous exposure to the vibration caused during the ride and force transmitted to the vehicle body due to road irregularities. It is a challenge of automobile engineers to design a promising suspension system to overcome the risk of ride comfort during continuous driving. In this research, two-wheeler suspension system is modelled with a condition of bump and valley in a wavy road. The road surface is assumed to be wavy and the response of new suspension spring with different materials (stainless steel, tungsten and polymeric) along with viscous damper is analyzed and compared. By this analysis, it will be proposed to industry to modify the suspension system to improve its efficiency and reduce force transmitted to the human body to improve the ride comfort


Author(s):  
Amit Kumar ◽  
Amit Kumar ◽  
Cabral-Pinto M.M.S. ◽  
Ashish K. Chaturvedi ◽  
Aftab A. Shabnam ◽  
...  

Lead (Pb) toxicity has been a subject of interest for environmental scientists due to its toxic effect on plants, animals, and humans. An increase in several Pb related industrial activities and use of Pb containing products such as agrochemicals, oil and paint, mining, etc. can lead to Pb contamination in the environment and thereby, can enter the food chain. Being one of the most toxic heavy metals, Pb ingestion via the food chain has proven to be a potential health hazard for plants and humans. The current review aims to summarize the research updates on Pb toxicity and its effects on plants, soil, and human health. Relevant literature from the past 20 years encompassing comprehensive details on Pb toxicity has been considered with key issues such as i) Pb bioavailability in soil, ii) Pb biomagnification, and iii) Pb- remediation, which has been addressed in detail through physical, chemical, and biological lenses. In the review, among different Pb-remediation approaches, we have highlighted certain advanced approaches such as microbial assisted phytoremediation which could possibly minimize the Pb load from the resources in a sustainable manner and would be a viable option to ensure a safe food production system.


Author(s):  
P.A. Owens ◽  
S.B. Telfer ◽  
C.L Johnson

The Chernobyl nuclear power station accident in April 1986, resulted in widespread deposition of radionuclides across Europe and the Former Soviet Union. The radionuclides 1-131, Cs-134 and Cs-137 are of particular concern as a potential health hazard due to their accumulation in the plant-animal-human food chain.Due to the long half life of Cs-137 (30 years), contaminated regions will take several years to return to evels prior to the accident.


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