Surgical fire caused by electrocautery in ambient air

Abstract

Introduction: The fire triangle comprises the ignition source, fuel and oxidizer which is necessary for the initiation of fire. Most surgical fires occur in an oxygen-enriched environment. We report a case of surgical fire in ambient air where an alcohol-based antiseptic was involved. Case report: A 20-year-old male diagnosed with left pleural empyema and respiratory failure, requiring emergent intubation and respiratory support, was brought into the operating theatre for decortication of the left lung. Shortly after induction, the patient desaturated despite 100% oxygen and lung recruitment manoeuvres. The surgical team decided to insert a chest tube emergently to drain the empyema to improve respiratory function. A non-functioning drainage catheter that was in situ was removed and placed on the operating table beside the patient. Skin was prepared using chlorhexidine gluconate 0.5% w/v in methylated spirit solution and iodine. Soon after, cotton drapes were used to cover the patient. After the initial incision for chest tube insertion, electrocautery was introduced. Smoke and a smell of something burning was immediately noted by the surgical team. The drapes were removed and the drainage catheter with a burnt tip was discovered beside the patient. The patient suffered second degree burns to his chest wall. Conclusion: Although it is more common for surgical fires to occur in an oxygen-enriched environment, this case highlights that without adequate precautions they can also occur in ambient air. Recognition that standard anaesthetic and surgical equipment can act as sources of fuel and vigilance for the circumstances that complete the fire triangle are key to the prevention of surgical fires.

Surgical fires: Still a burning issue in England and Wales

“…Between January 1994 and December 2013 there were 294 injuries and fatalities reported to the Food and Drug Administration as a result of a surgical fire; in 42% of cases resulted in severe injury or death and the fires were most frequently confined to the surgical field (Overbey et al 2015). There are also a number of case studies published from around the world detailing the causes of the surgical fire with recommendations on how to prevent similar adverse events (Barker & Polson 2001, Batra & Gupta 2008, Beesley & Taylor 2006, Gorphe et al 2014, Sibia et al 2016, Tan & Thong 2015), each one demonstrating the unique contributory factors that can lead to a surgical fire.…”