Supporting Cleaner Theatre Environments Through Smoke Evacuation

16 Jun Supporting Cleaner Theatre Environments Through Smoke Evacuation

Managing surgical smoke is an important consideration for healthcare organisations looking to support staff wellbeing, improve theatre environments and create a more comfortable experience for patients.

During surgical procedures, smoke and odour can become noticeable within and around clinical areas. For theatre teams, this can affect the working environment. For patients and visitors, odour in nearby areas can also create uncertainty or discomfort, particularly when they are unsure what they are noticing or why it is present.

A recent SHE SHA smoke evacuation trial at a hospital site has highlighted the practical value of introducing dedicated smoke evacuation technology into theatre environments. The site had not previously used smoke evacuators, and early feedback from the theatre team has been very positive.

The team were engaged and enthusiastic about the introduction of the technology, particularly because surgical smoke and odour had been a noticeable issue. Feedback on the smoke evacuation generator was also encouraging, with staff describing it as “nice and quiet”. This is an important factor for busy theatre teams, where equipment needs to support clinical workflows without adding unnecessary noise or disruption.

The trial also highlighted the wider impact that surgical smoke and odour can have outside theatre. Staff explained that patients walking through nearby corridors had previously noticed the smell and asked what it was, creating situations that could be uncomfortable for both patients and staff. While surgical smoke management is often viewed primarily as a theatre issue, this feedback shows that its impact can extend into the wider clinical environment.

For theatre teams, effective smoke evacuation can support staff wellbeing by helping to reduce exposure to surgical smoke during procedures. For patients, reducing unpleasant odour in clinical areas can help improve comfort and confidence during their time in hospital. For healthcare organisations, it represents a practical step towards improving working environments and supporting best practice in theatre safety.

BOWA MEDICAL UK works with healthcare organisations to support the introduction of smoke evacuation technology through product expertise, implementation guidance and ongoing support. Every theatre environment is different, which is why it is important to work closely with clinical teams to understand their needs, answer questions and help ensure solutions are practical in everyday use.

As awareness of surgical smoke continues to grow, now is an ideal time for healthcare organisations to review their current approach to smoke evacuation and consider how the right technology and support could help improve the theatre environment for staff and patients alike.