The impact of surgical plume exposure on oxidative stress and respiratory Histopathology: evaluating the role of antioxidant interventions

Abstract

Surgical smoke, generated during electrosurgery and laser ablation, contains harmful chemicals, live pathogens, and cellular debris that pose health risks to medical personnel. Despite concerns about its potential impact on oxidative stress and respiratory health, limited research has quantified these effects. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses, contributes to various diseases, including respiratory conditions and cancer. This study investigates the effects of surgical plume exposure on oxidative stress and respiratory histopathology in Wistar rats while evaluating the potential protective role of antioxidant interventions. Forty adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (A) control, (B) surgical plume exposure, (C) antioxidant treatment, and (D) combined surgical plume exposure with antioxidant treatment. Surgical plume exposure was simulated in a controlled chamber, while antioxidants were administered via oral gavage. After four weeks, oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and reducing glutathione were analyzed in lung and tracheal tissues. Histopathological examination was conducted to assess structural changes. No statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in oxidative stress markers across all groups. However, histopathological analysis revealed severe pulmonary congestion, bronchiolar ulceration, interstitial inflammation, and tracheal mucosal ulceration in plume-exposed rats. Antioxidants mitigated some structural damage but did not prevent inflammatory cell infiltration. While oxidative stress markers remained unchanged, histological evidence suggests that surgical plume exposure induces significant respiratory tissue damage. Antioxidant interventions offer partial protection but didn’t fully counteract inflammatory effects, emphasizing the need for protective measures against surgical smoke inhalation.