COVID-19 transmission in surgical smoke during laparoscopy and open surgery: a systematic review

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in surgical smoke and aerosols during laparoscopy and open surgery.

Material and methods

A systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021268366) was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Articles were selected based on the title and abstract as well as the type of publication. Primary objectives of the study were to assess potential risk of contamination as well as comparing laparoscopic and open procedures in terms of danger of SARS-COV-2 transmission.

Results

Fifty-three articles were identified and included in the review. No case of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to operating room personnel during open or minimally invasive surgery was identified at the time the review was conducted. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between smoke and aerosols generated from open surgery and those generated from minimally invasive surgery.

Conclusion

COVID-19 transmission in surgical smoke and aerosols has yet to be observed. However, given the potential risk of viral transmission, caution should be exercised when performing surgery to ensure the safety of the operating room personnel. When clinically indicated and when protective measures can be implemented, minimally invasive surgery should be performed instead of open surgery to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• SARS-CoV-2
• laparoscopy
• risk
• viral transmission
• surgical smoke
• safety

Declaration of interest

The authors have no proprietary, financial, professional or other personal interest of any nature in any product, service or company. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Research involving human participants and/or animals

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Informed consent

Informed consent is not required for this type of study.

Data availability statement

All data are fully available without restriction within the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The work was not supported by any fund/grant.