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Patient exposure to extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields during laparoscopic and robotic surgeries
Author(s) -
Chung Jai Won,
Park Jee Soo,
Choi Soo Beom,
Kim Deok Won
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the international journal of medical robotics and computer assisted surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.556
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1478-596X
pISSN - 1478-5951
DOI - 10.1002/rcs.1686
Subject(s) - medicine , laparoscopy , laparoscopic surgery , robotic surgery , surgery
Background Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries require many electronic devices, and the hazard of extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MFs) from these devices to humans remains uncertain. This study aimed to measure and compare patients' exposure levels to ELF‐MFs in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. Methods The intensity of ELF‐MF exposure to patients was measured every 10 s during 30 laparoscopic surgeries and 30 robotic surgeries using portable ELF‐MF measuring devices with logging capabilities. Results The mean ELF‐MF exposures were 0.11 ± 0.07 μT for laparoscopic surgeries and 0.12 ± 0.10 μT for robotic surgeries. There were no significant differences between the laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. Conclusions Patients' mean ELF‐MF exposure levels in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries were lower than 0.2 μT, which is considered safe according to previous studies. However, because many medical devices have been implemented for multiple purposes in hospitals, the MF environment in hospitals regarding patient health should not be overlooked. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.