Evaluation of the Deodorizing Effect of an Electric Scalpels with a Smoke Evacuation System in Breast Surgery

Exposure to surgical smoke can cause discomfort owing to its odor. Although electric scalpels with smoke evacuation systems are recommended to reduce exposure to surgical smoke, few reports have focused on its effectiveness in odor reduction. This study aimed to evaluate the deodorizing effects of an electric scalpel with a smoke evacuation system during breast surgery. Using a portable odor sensor, we measured the odor levels during surgery in 2 groups: a conventional electric scalpel group(control group)and an electric scalpel with smoke evacuation system group(evacuation group). Analysis with the odor sensor showed that in the control group, odor levels increased by approximately 100-200 units from the baseline when the electric scalpel was used. In contrast, the evacuation group showed almost no increase from the baseline. Subjectively, the control group noticed visible smoke and odors, whereas the evacuation group did not experience any smoke or odors. The results indicated that using electrocautery devices with smoke evacuation systems not only provides a clear surgical field but also has a high deodorizing effect.