RISK OF CONTAMINATION FROM LAPAROSCOPIC CARBON-DIOXIDE INSUFFLATORS

Ten high how laparoscopic carbon dioxides insufflators were examined t o determine whether there was significant particulate or bacterial con tamination of the gas delivered to patients. The gas delivery tubing a nd connections in the insufflators were also examined for the presence of bacterial colonization and for evidence of retrograde passage of b ody fluids to the insufflator. Metallic particulate debris was recover ed from gas from all 10 insufflators. Staphylococci were recovered fro m the insufflated gas from one insufflator and from the internal tubin g of three insufflators. Swabs from the internal tubing of two insuffl ators showed evidence of contamination by blood. The metallic particul ate contamination of the insufflated gas may not be of clinical signif icance but the presence of bacteria and blood is a concern. Simple mea sures to minimize the risk of retrograde flow of gas and fluid to the insufflator should be followed and the provision of a filter between t he patient and the insufflator is recommended.