To evaluate the noise levels of Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG), Thulium Fiber (TFL), and pulsed Thulium:YAG (p-Tm:YAG) lasers across various settings, focusing on compliance with safety thresholds and potential impact on communication in the operating room (OR).
Noise measurements were taken in an empty OR using sound meters placed 1 meter from the laser source. Ambient noise, standby, ready, and lasering modes at three settings (0.2 J-50 Hz, 0.5 J-20 Hz, and 1 J-10 Hz) were measured. Background noise was adjusted logarithmically, and sound emissions were weighted on dBA. Eleven laser models across Ho:YAG, TFL, and p-Tm:YAG systems were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Noise levels varied significantly by system and setting. All lasers produced <55 dBA during standby/ready modes. During lasering, the Rocamed MH01 (Ho:YAG), RevoLix™ (Tm:YAG), and IPG Urolase PRO (TFL) were the quietest. The Quanta Cyber Magneto (Ho:YAG), Dornier Thulio® (Tm:YAG), and EMS Laserclast (TFL) reached the highest noise levels, up to 66.06 dBA. All lasers complied with NIOSH (85 dBA) and OSHA (90 dBA) limits, though several exceeded the 55 dBA threshold for high-concentration tasks.
Endourological lasers produce <55 dBA in standby/ready modes but may exceed this during lasering, potentially impacting communication and focus in the OR. While occupational noise risks are minimal, attention to noise emissions is crucial for optimizing surgical team performance. Future studies should explore noise impact on surgical outcomes.
Urology. 2025 Feb 04 [Epub ahead of print]
S Moretto, A Quarà, A Madden, J Cabrera, F Zorzi, A Bravo-Balado, M Corrales, L Candela, Berthe Laurent, S Doizi, F Panthier, O Traxer
GRC n°20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 75020, Paris, France; Service d'Urologie, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France; Department of Urology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy. Electronic address: ., GRC n°20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 75020, Paris, France; Service d'Urologie, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France; Department of Oncology, Division of Urology, University of Turin, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy., GRC n°20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 75020, Paris, France; Service d'Urologie, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France., GRC n°20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 75020, Paris, France; Service d'Urologie, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France; Urology Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy., PIMM, UMR 8006 CNRS-Arts et Métiers ParisTech, 151 bd de l'Hôpital, F-75013 Paris, France.