Surgical smoke exposure in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Occupational surgical smoke exposure in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
IRAS ID
278053
Contact name
Chadwan Al-Yaghchi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to assess the presence of a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV) in surgical smoke, which is potentially released from the airway lining during an operation when the laser is used. It is also to assess the presence of HPV in the lining of the airway itself. HPV is known to cause recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), whereby some patients have growths in their airway. This can affect their voice and breathing. It is known however that approximately 25% of the population will have HPV in their airway at some time in their life, without it causing any growths (papilloma) at all.
The intention is to assess the occupational exposure of HPV to staff in the operating theatre. This is only being offered to patients who are already due to undergo airway surgery with the Charing Cross Hospital service. Patients that choose to take part will not have their medical care altered in any way, except that a saliva sample as well as a sample of the surgical smoke will be collected at the time of the operation. As the smoke is normally produced during the procedure with the laser anyhow, the same operation will still be done whether a patient partakes in the study or not. The outcome of the study is to determine the need for additional precautions for staff during airway surgery.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0766
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion