To identify any potentially harmful chemical constituents of the gaseous plume produced from urological endoscopic diathermy.Chemical analysis was performed on the gaseous plume produced from prostatic resections and vaporizations using gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography using ultraviolet and visible light detection. In addition, carbon monoxide levels were analyzed using a portable catalytic flammable gas sensor.This study identified a cocktail of volatile organic hydrocarbons produced during these procedures, some of which are known carcinogens. The most significant finding being high levels of carbon monoxide.From this preliminary study, we advocate the use of smoke evacuator systems for all urologists regularly performing these procedures, and suggest that further research is required to investigate potential long-term complications to the urologist.