The Joint Commission (TJC) issued a Quick Safety advisory with recommendations on how to prevent light source-related burns during surgical procedures such as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, or arthroscopy. The light sources and cables used in these procedures have the potential to cause patient burns that can go unnoticed because they typically do not produce smoke or charring, even of surgical drapes.
The TJC advisory highlights eight recommended actions to prevent these burns. Some of the recommendations include:
- Educate the entire surgical team about safe handling of light sources and light cords
- Connect the scope to the light cable before turning the light source on
- Keep illuminated light cords from resting on the drapes, flammable materials, or touching the skin of patients or the surgical team
The full "Quick Safety Issue 69: Preventing light source-related burns from laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and arthroscopy" is available online from The Joint Commission, dated April 10, 2023.
