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Barns M, Magee D, England T. Preconceived Impressions Regarding Holmium:YAG Laser Safety in the Urology Operating Theatre. Res Rep Urol 2024; 16:143-150. [PMID: 38912094 PMCID: PMC11192151 DOI: 10.2147/rru.s457617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Since its introduction over two decades ago, the surgical laser has served in the lithotripsy of urinary calculi, resection of bladder tumours, bladder neck incisions, and prostate enucleation. Concerns regarding the safe use of holmium lasers have resulted in potentially excessive and overly precautious theatre regulations. We aimed to evaluate the preconceived impressions and practice patterns at a single site surrounding laser use in endourology. Methods We designed a three-part online questionnaire that could be accessed using a smart device or computer. This survey was distributed to all theatre staff involved in laser surgery at our single site, including surgical, nursing, and anaesthetic staff of varying seniority. It asked questions regarding holmium laser safety, provided an up-to-date summary of published literature surrounding the safe use of lasers, and finally gave participants further option to alter the answers to several previously encountered questions. Results A total of 54 theatre staff completed the survey, including 17 theatre nurses (31.5%), 10 urology consultants (18.5%), 8 urology registrars (14.8%), 7 anaesthetic registrars (13%), 4 anaesthetic consultants (7.4%). About 51.9% of participants believed that current laser safety protocols were adequate, with 38.9% finding them excessive. After reading recently published information on laser safety, 22.2% thought current laser safety measures were adequate (57% decrease) and 77.8% found them to be excessive (100% increase). About 74.1% of participants found that laser safety goggles impair their vision and that 79.6% would choose not to wear them if they were optional. Conclusion Strict laser safety guidelines reflect an overestimated risk associated with using holmium laser in operating theatres. Laser safety regulations should be re-evaluated to align with current research and potential hazards inherent to the device. In doing so, a more effective distribution of staff could enable greater access to laser surgery, thereby reducing patient morbidity and hospital wait times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Barns
- Department of Urology, Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Daniel Magee
- Department of Urology, Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas England
- Department of Urology, Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Nelson O, Greenwood E, Simpao AF, Matava CT. Refocusing on work-based hazards for the anaesthesiologist in a post-pandemic era. BJA OPEN 2023; 8:100234. [PMID: 37942056 PMCID: PMC10630594 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjao.2023.100234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has raised public awareness of one of the many hazards that healthcare workers face daily: exposure to harmful pathogens. The anaesthesia workplace encompasses the operating room, interventional radiology suite, and other sites that contain many other potential occupational and environmental hazards. This review article highlights the work-based hazards that anaesthesiologists and other clinicians may encounter in the anaesthesia workplace: ergonomic design, physical, chemical, fire, biological, or psychological hazards. As the anaesthesia work environment enters a post-COVID-19 pandemic phase, anaesthesiologists will do well to review and consider these hazards. The current review includes proposed solutions to some hazards and identifies opportunities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Nelson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric Greenwood
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Allan F. Simpao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Clyde T. Matava
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Mondschein R, Thompson D, Bolton D. Laser eyewear: broadening the focus on eye safety in endourology. ANZ J Surg 2023; 93:456-458. [PMID: 36660860 DOI: 10.1111/ans.18053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Romy Mondschein
- Department of Urology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daryl Thompson
- Department of Urology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Damien Bolton
- Department of Urology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Keller EX, Kronenberg P, Tailly T, Corrales M, Juliebø-Jones P, Pietropaolo A, Somani B, De Coninck V. Laser accessories: surgical fibers, strippers, cleavers, and protective glasses. Curr Opin Urol 2022; 32:330-338. [PMID: 35256579 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000000977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides most recent findings and developments relating to surgical laser fibers, strippers, cleavers, and protective glasses. RECENT FINDINGS The smallest core diameter that can be used with Holmium:YAG lasers is 200 μm. Smaller core diameter fibers can be used with the Thulium fiber laser and offer better flexibility and lower risk of fracture, at the risk of greater burnback effect. Misleading discrepancies between the true diameter of laser fibers and their packaging labels must be considered. Fiber tip degradation from the burnback occurs within few minutes, thus questioning the need for time-consuming fiber tip reprocessing with fiber strippers and special cleaving tools. This shortcoming also applies to instrument-protecting ball-tip fibers. Cleavage of fiber tips through their protective jackets ('coated tips') is a cheaper alternative for instrument protection, additionally offering better visual control of the fiber tip. Third-generation side-firing greenlight laser fibers are still prone to rapid deterioration. Laser eyewear does not seem necessary for Holmium:YAG applications, whereas laser-specific protective glasses should be worn for greenlight laser applications. SUMMARY With better understanding of laser accessories, practicing urologists may tailor their practice to reach optimal efficacy and safety for Holmium:YAG, Thulium fiber laser and Greenlight laser applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Xavier Keller
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Urolithiasis & Endourology Working Party, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Kronenberg
- Department of Urology, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
- Progress in Endourology, Technology and Research Association (PETRA), Paris, France
| | - Thomas Tailly
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Urolithiasis & Endourology Working Party, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mariela Corrales
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Service d'Urologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Juliebø-Jones
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Urolithiasis & Endourology Working Party, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Amelia Pietropaolo
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Urolithiasis & Endourology Working Party, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Bhaskar Somani
- Progress in Endourology, Technology and Research Association (PETRA), Paris, France
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Vincent De Coninck
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Urolithiasis & Endourology Working Party, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, AZ Klina, Brasschaat, Belgium
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Miller DT, Semins MJ. Safety During Ureteroscopy: Radiation, Eyes, and Ergonomics. Front Surg 2021; 8:737337. [PMID: 34778359 PMCID: PMC8580849 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.737337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that urologic surgeons are at risk of work-place injury due to the physical requirements of operating and exposure to hazards. These hazards include radiation, exposure to body fluids, use of laser energy, and orthopedic injury due to the physical nature of operating. The risks that these hazards present can be mitigated by implementing several evidence-based safety measures. The methods to protect against radiation exposure include keeping radiation usage in the operating room as low as reasonably achievable, donning lead aprons, and wearing protective glasses. Additionally, protective glasses decrease the risk of eye injury from laser injury and exposure to body fluids. Finally, practicing sound surgical ergonomics is essential to minimize the risk of orthopedic injury and promote career longevity. The interventions discussed herein are simple and easy to implement in one's daily practice of urology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Miller
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michelle J Semins
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Lantz Powers AG. Laser-associated eye injury: Offering some practical advice. Can Urol Assoc J 2020; 14:383-384. [PMID: 33259284 PMCID: PMC7704098 DOI: 10.5489/cuaj.7043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Bhojani N, Andonian S, Watterson JD, Dushinski JW, Shayegan B, Schuler TD, Pace KT, Chew BH, Razvi H. Canadian Urological Association best practice report: Holmium:YAG laser eye safety. Can Urol Assoc J 2020; 14:380-382. [PMID: 33259283 DOI: 10.5489/cuaj.6941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naeem Bhojani
- Department of Urology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sero Andonian
- Division of Urology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - James D Watterson
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John W Dushinski
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bobby Shayegan
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor D Schuler
- Divison of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kenneth T Pace
- Division of Urology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ben H Chew
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hassan Razvi
- Division of Urology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Doizi S, Audouin M, Villa L, Rodríguez-Monsalve Herrero M, De Coninck V, Keller EX, Traxer O. The eye of the endourologist: what are the risks? A review of the literature. World J Urol 2019; 37:2639-2647. [DOI: 10.1007/s00345-019-02667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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Andonian S. Editorial Comment on: Perceptions and Practice Patterns of Holmium Laser Goggles in Endourological Procedures: An Unnecessary Evil? by Paterson et al. (From: Paterson NR, Fitzpatrick R, Blew B, et al. J Endourol 2019;33:146-150; DOI: 10.1089/end.2018.0432). J Endourol 2018; 33:151. [PMID: 30484330 DOI: 10.1089/end.2018.0826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sero Andonian
- Department of Urology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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