This article was originally published on June 20, 2019, and has been updated. Surgical fires are rare but can happen, as demonstrated by a case study presented by Dr. Ruth Shaylor at a medical conference. The story involved a patient with COPD undergoing aortic repair surgery, where a spark from an electrocautery device ignited a surgical pack, causing a fire in the patient’s chest cavity. Quick action by the medical team prevented serious harm to the patient.
Despite their rarity, surgical fires remain a concern in operating rooms. The combination of oxygen, heat, and fuel creates the potential for fires, with oxygen serving to accelerate the burning process. Various reports have highlighted the prevalence of surgical fires, emphasizing the need for training and prevention strategies among surgical operatives.
Kay Van Wey, a Personal Injury Lawyer, stresses the importance of vigilance in preventing surgical fires, citing a tragic case where a child suffered severe burns during a tonsillectomy procedure. Dr. Shaylor calls for increased awareness and training to minimize the risk of harm to patients during surgical procedures involving flammable materials.
It is crucial for all medical professionals involved in surgeries to be well-trained in fire prevention and management to ensure patient safety and prevent potentially catastrophic incidents like surgical fires.
