Fire ignition during laser surgery in pet rodents

Abstract

BackgroundLaser surgery is an attractive alternative to other means of section device in terms of tissue inflammation and interaction, which has been extensively used in human and veterinary medicine. Although accidental ignition during laser surgeries is sporadically reported in human medical literature, to the authors’ knowledge this is the first report regarding laser-dependent fire ignition during surgery in veterinary medicine.Case presentationTwo rodents, a 13-month old, 27-gram, male pet mouse (Mus musculus) and a 1-year old, female Russian hamster (Phodopus sungorus), underwent surgical removal of masses with diode laser. During the surgical procedures fires ignited from the face masks. The mouse presented severe burns on the head and both forelimbs, it was hospitalized and approximately 2 months after surgery burns were resolved. The hamster presented severe burns on the face and the proximal regions of the body. At 72 hours from the accident the hamster was euthanized.ConclusionThe present report suggests that fire ignition is a potential life-threatening complication of laser surgery in non-intubated rodents maintained under volatile anesthesia. High oxygen concentrations, the presence of combustible, and the narrowness of the surgical field with the face mask during laser surgery on rodents are risk factors for fire ignition.

A randomized controlled trial of factors influencing fire occurrence during laser surgery of cadaveric rodents under simulated mask anesthesia

“…3 This hypothesis was supported by the significantly higher incidence of fire events during facial surgery, the adequacy of turning off oxygen to interrupt fire ignition, and the localization of the burns in the carcasses; in all 11 cases, the most severe lesions were located on the nose and, to a lesser degree, other facial regions. 3 This hypothesis was supported by the significantly higher incidence of fire events during facial surgery, the adequacy of turning off oxygen to interrupt fire ignition, and the localization of the burns in the carcasses; in all 11 cases, the most severe lesions were located on the nose and, to a lesser degree, other facial regions.…”

“…3,39,40,54 Internal diameter aperture of the mask measured 16 mm (external diameter, 22 mm), and internal diameter of the inlet port measured 13 mm (external diameter, 16 mm). 3,39,40,54 Internal diameter aperture of the mask measured 16 mm (external diameter, 22 mm), and internal diameter of the inlet port measured 13 mm (external diameter, 16 mm).…”

“…3 Small rodents are among the most widely used animals in medical research. 3 Small rodents are among the most widely used animals in medical research.…”

“…[28][29][30] In pet rodents, it has been advised by several experienced surgeons, 31,32 mainly because it may shorten surgical times and prevent development of hypothermia, which is a frequent complication in anesthetized rodents. 37 Considering our recent report 3 in which laser secondary ignition provoked severe burns in one rodent and lethal burns in another, urgent evidence on the safety of laser surgeries during volatile anesthesia in rodents was considered needed. Furthermore, when excision of cutaneous tumors by means of laser, scalpel blade, and dia-thermy was compared in mice, the group exposed to laser surgery experienced significantly lower tumor recurrence and significantly lower perioperative mortality rates.…”

“…3 Although the maintenance of anesthesia in rodents is generally performed without complications by administration of fluorinated inhalation anesthetics, 38 endotracheal intubation in rodents is not easily performed; therefore, anesthesia is often maintained with a face mask connected to the anesthetic system in clinical practice [39][40][41][42][43] as well as in laboratory settings. 3 Although the maintenance of anesthesia in rodents is generally performed without complications by administration of fluorinated inhalation anesthetics, 38 endotracheal intubation in rodents is not easily performed; therefore, anesthesia is often maintained with a face mask connected to the anesthetic system in clinical practice [39][40][41][42][43] as well as in laboratory settings.…”