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Facial Plast Surg 2022; 38(03): 311-314
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1742221
Original Research

Operating Room Noise and Team Communication during Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Multicenter Study

Marc Levin
1   Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
,
Matthew Brace
1   Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
,
Doron D. Sommer
2   Division of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
,
Michael Roskies
1   Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
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Abstract

Operating room (OR) noise contributes to team miscommunication. In facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS), many cases are completed under sedation. This creates a unique environment wherein patients are aware of OR noise. The objectives of this study were to quantify noise and evaluate team members' perspectives on communication inside of FPRS ORs. This study was completed across three surgical institutions. Objective noise measurements were recorded with SoundMeter X. A communication questionnaire was delivered to OR team members following each case. Four hundred and twenty-three noise measurements were recorded during facelift/neck, eye/brow, rhinoplasty, and fat transfer/lip surgeries. The mean and maximum noise levels were 66.1 dB (dB) and 87.6 dB, respectively. Measurements during cases with general anesthetic (221/423, 52.2%) had higher noise measurements (70.3 dB) compared with those with sedation (202/423, 47.8%) (69.7 dB) (p = 0.04). The OR was louder with suction on (72.3 dB) versus off (69.3 dB) (p <0.00). Suction (34.5%) and music (22.4%) were the largest noise contributors according to questionnaire replies. Intraoperative noise, awake patients, and suctions/music may negatively impact FPRS OR communication. Innovation to improve FPRS intraoperative communication should be considered for effective patient care.

Keywords

OR noise - HVAC - OR communication - personal protective equipment - facial plastic and reconstructive surgery


Publication History

Article published online:
27 January 2022

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