A comparative study of open with laparoscopy-related abdominal cancer surgery in particle measurements: a prospective study

Aim: In this study, we compared real-time particle measurements at the average head level of a surgical team during open and laparoscopic intra-abdominal cancer surgery.Materials and Methods: Between June 2022 and January 2023, 83 consecutive patients diagnosed with intra-abdominal cancer and scheduled for oncological surgery were included. We recorded the patients’ demographic and operative characteristics, including operation time, number of ports in laparoscopic operations, total incision length in laparoscopic operations, and incision length in open operations. The number of particles measuring 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 µm in a volume of 0.1 CF (particles/CF) was determined.Results: Of the 83 patients (mean age 58.4 ± 14.1 years), 38 (45.8%) were women. No significant differences were observed between the open (n = 43) and laparoscopic (n = 40) groups in age, sex, body mass index, body surface area, or operation time. Blood loss was significantly higher in the open surgery group (p < 0.001). Particle levels increased during the early intraoperative period in the open surgery group but decreased in the laparoscopic group; however, this difference was not observed in later measurements. Open surgery was associated with higher particle levels during the early intraoperative period.Conclusion: Particle levels increased with open surgery and decreased with laparoscopic surgery over time, indicating the superiority of the laparoscopic approach. However, regardless of the approach, minimizing surgical duration and ensuring adequate personal protective equipment use remain essential.