J Korean Burn Soc.  2019 Dec;22(2):34-37. 10.0000/jkbs.2019.22.2.34.

Operation Room Fire: Caution for Using Electrocautery after Rinsing Operation Field at the End of the Surgery with Alcohol-Based Cleansing Solutions

• Song JK
• Shin H
• Lee JY

• KMID: 2469246
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jkbs.2019.22.2.34

Abstract

Fires in operating rooms rarely occur. However, this type of disaster can complicate almost any surgical procedure. Fuel, heat and oxygen are related with fire outbreak. When ignition sources such as alcohol-based surgical preparation solutions are present, the risk of an operating room fire increases, and burns are more severe in such conditions. Many manufacturers recommend waiting at least three minutes after application to allow complete drying for reduce fire risk. There are a few studies regarding flame burns in the operation room, although most of these studies are related to preoperative skin preparation. However, alcohol containing solutions can be used occasionally for cleansing of the operation field after the surgery, therefore, the surgical team should pay attention to surgical fires, even if they have completed the operation successfully. We present our case of a post-operative flame burn and introduce some precautions that will reduce the risk of alcohol burns.

Keyword

Operation room fire; Alcohol containing solutions; Electrocauterization

MeSH Terms

Burns
Disasters
Electrocoagulation*
Fires*
Hot Temperature
Operating Rooms
Oxygen
Skin
Oxygen