Surgimedics.com - Research Articles for Surgical Smoke Evacuation

These data demonstrate the elevation in blood methemoglodin level occurs acutely due to a smoke component of tissue combustion produced by laser use during laparoscopic procedures. The effect of this prolongs intra-abdominal smoke exposure is seen in some patients as post operative nausea, dizziness and visual disturbances. Increased levels of methemoglobin reduce oxygen carrying capacity to tissues, locally and at distant sites.