Assessing the risk of viral infection from gases and plumes during intra-abdominal surgery: a systematic scoping review

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the current evidence regarding the risk of acquiring viral infections from gases or plumes during intra-abdominal surgery. Peritoneal fluids may contain cellular material and virus particles. Electrocautery smoke and plumes from energy devices may aerosolize harmful substances and viral particles. Insufflation and desufflation during laparoscopic surgery may also aerosolize and distribute biological material. A systematic scoping review was performed to assess the evidence and inform safe surgical practice. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed and Medline databases was undertaken until June 2020, observing Preferred Reporting Items for ..