Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Team at UHWI finds solution for surgical smoke
#Kingston, July 18, 2019 – Jamaica – Consultant plastic surgeon at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Dr. Rajiv Vengopaul and a team from the Department of Surgery have come up with an affordable solution to tackle surgical smoke in operating theatres.
The solution is expected to be a helpful tool in ensuring the health and wellness of theatre personnel, as the team, having established that surgical smoke affects all members in the operating theatre, also recognise that commercially designed smoke extractors are not readily available in Third-World countries due to the cost.
In an interview with JIS News, Dr. Vengopaul explained that the need to find a solution became necessary, as the environment created in the operating theatre by necessary work tools was affecting his health. He said that he and his team undertook research on how to eliminate surgical smoke, explaining that it was important, as the study dealt with occupational health. It featured the process of treating with smoke that is related to the use of an electrocautery machine, which is commonly used in surgery.
“The device is used to achieve haemostasis, which means trying to stop bleeding within the surgical field. It actually works with electric current. Depending on the cycle of the current, you can cut tissue as well as stop bleeding,” Dr. Vengopaul explained.
“This has been a significant breakthrough in the surgical field since the early 1900s, because it allows us to do surgery more efficiently, more quickly and with minimum blood loss during the procedure,” he said.
However, he pointed out that one of the main side-effects of electrocauterisation is the creation of a surgical smoke plume, which contains many toxic agents similar to those produced in cigarette smoke.
“The literature suggests that one month of being exposed to surgical smoke would be equivalent to smoking about 30 cigarettes,” he added.
According to Dr. Vengopaul, the team created a very affordable method of removing the surgical plume.
“We used a nasogastric tube, which is plastic, removed the cuffs from rubber gloves and attached to the pencil, which is the tool through which the electro-current is used to do the tissue work. This is attached to the general suction unit which is used in all operating theatres, so that as the smoke is created from the tip of the pencil, it is moved out,” he explained.
Dr. Vengopaul said the solution, which has been dubbed the Smoke and Fluid Evacuation (SAFE) tube “is a simple, economical and reproducible alternative”. He pointed out that in a survey that was conducted among 99 members of staff, everyone had an issue with surgical smoke. There was 84 per cent satisfaction in the ability of the device to remove smoke and fluid from the operative field by users, and 91 per cent of participants indicated that they would use the device in future surgeries.
The team has concluded that the SAFE tube represents a simple, economical and green solution to the problem.
Contact: Peta-Gay Hodges
Release: JIS
Photo: Stock Photo
Caption: Surgical smoke plume produced by an electrocautery device being used by a surgeon
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
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