The Guideline for Surgical Smoke Safety has been approved by the AORN Guidelines Advisory Board and it was presented as a proposed guideline for comments by members and others. This is effective December 15, 2016. The recommendations are intended to be achievable and represent what is believed to be an optimal level of practice.
Policies and procedures will reflect variations in practice settings and/or clinical situations that determine the degree to which it can be implemented. AORN recognizes the many diverse settings in which perioperative nurses practice; therefore, this guideline is adaptable to all areas where operative or other invasive procedures may be performed. This document provides guidance on surgical smoke safety precautions to help the perioperative team establish a safe environment for the surgical patient and team members through consistent use of control measures.