Abstract: A smoke evacuation system is provided for attachment to a surgical desiccator, the surgical desiccator including a desiccator body forming a handle and a cauterizing tip for searing tissue to reduce bleeding. The smoke evacuation system includes a section of tube connected to a suction unit, a front retainer and a rear retainer for holding the tube to the body in a position such that the tube and the desiccator body can be cradled in a surgeon's hand, and a suction tip attachable to the front retainer in a non-interfering position proximate the cauterizing tip. The front retainer defines a passageway connecting the suction tip to the section of tube such that smoke, odors and biological contaminants generated by the cauterizing tip can be efficiently suctioned away through the suction tip, the retainer and the tube by the suction unit.