Fire in the operating room during tracheostomy

Fire in operating room: The adverse "never" event. Case report, mini-review and medico-legal considerations

The patient's security and safety represent a topic of great importance for public health that led several healthcare organizations in many Countries to share documents to promote risk management and preventing adverse events. Surgical Fire (SF) is an infrequent adverse event generally occurring in the operating room (OR) and consisting of a fire that occurs in, on, or around a patient undergoing a medical or surgical procedure. Here a medico-legal case involving a 65-year-old woman reporting burns to the neck due to an SF during a thyroidectomy was described. A literature review was performed using Pubmed and Scopus databases, focusing on epidemiology, causes, prevention activities associated with the SF, and the related best practices recommendations. The medico-legal analysis of the case led to admit the professional liability because the suggested time (3 min) to use the electrocautery after CHG application was not respected. The case analysis and the literature review suggest the importance of implementing National and Local procedures to promote the management of SF risk. Finally, it is necessary to highlight the role of incident reporting and root causes analysis in understanding the cause of the adverse events and thus enforce their prevention.

The prevention of fire during oropharyngeal electrosurgery

We report the results of our study of 25 children who underwent tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy under endotracheal general anesthesia with respect to their risk of fire in the oropharynx. We also attempt to explain the reasons for the difference between the relatively high incidence of airway explosions and fires that have occurred during tracheostomy with electrosurgery and electrocautery and the low incidence of these events during electrosurgical dissection of the tonsils. Finally, we review the precautions that physicians can take to lower the risk of operating-room fires and explosions.

Risks and prevention of surgical fires : A systematic review

Surgically induced fire is a life-threatening hazard; this topic has received little attention, although only 3 factors, the so-called fire triad, are needed for surgical fires to occur: an oxidizer, fuel and an ignition source. This systematic review aims to determine the impact of each component and to delegate every staff member an area of responsibility, thus ensuring patient health through prevention or protection. The trial was registered in Prospero CRD42018082656. A database search of eligible, preferably evidence-based studies was conducted. The Robins-I tool for assessing the risk of bias revealed a moderate risk of bias. Due to insufficient data, the main findings of these studies could not be summarized through a quantitative synthesis; therefore, a qualitative synthesis is outlined. The results are summarized according to the roles of the fire triad and discussed. (1) Role of the oxidizer: oxygen is the key component of the triad. Safe oxygen delivery is important. An oxygen-enriched environment (ORE) is caused by draping and is preferably prevented by suctioning. Fuel characteristics are affected by varying oxygen concentrations. (2) Role of the ignition source: electrocauterization is the most common ignition source, followed by lasers. Less common ignition sources include fiberoptic cables and preparative solutions, petrol or acetone. (3) Role of the fuel: surgical drapes are one of the most common fuels for surgical fires followed by the patient's hair and skin. Skin preparation solutions are among the less common fuels. Many fire-resistant materials have been tested that do not remain fire resistant in ORE. It was concluded that the main problem is defining the real extent of this hazard. Exact numbers and exact condition protocols are needed; therefore, standardized registration of every fire and future studies with much evidence are needed. Immediate prevention consists of close attention to patient safety to prevent surgical fires from happening.

Surgical Fires in Otolaryngology: A Systematic and Narrative Review

Objective

To bring attention to the epidemiology, prevention, management, and consequences of surgical fires in otolaryngology by reviewing the literature.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus.

Review Methods

Comprehensive search terms were developed, and searches were performed from data source inception through August 2016. A total of 4506 articles were identified; 2351 duplicates were removed; and 2155 titles and abstracts were independently reviewed. Reference review was also performed. Eligible manuscripts described surgical fires involving patients undergoing otolaryngologic procedures.

Results

Seventy-two articles describing 87 otolaryngologic surgical fire cases were identified. These occurred during oral cavity or oropharyngeal procedures (11%), endoscopic laryngotracheal procedures (25%), tracheostomies (36%), “other” general anesthesia procedures (3%), and monitored anesthesia care or local procedures (24%). Oxidizing agents consisted of oxygen alone (n = 63 of 81, 78%), oxygen and nitric oxide (n = 17 of 81, 21%), and room air (n = 1 of 81, 1%). The fractional inspired oxygen delivered was >30% in 97% of surgical fires in non–nitrous oxide general anesthesia cases (n = 35 of 36). Laser-safe tubes were used in only 12% of endoscopic laryngotracheal cases with endotracheal tube descriptions (n = 2 of 17). Eighty-six percent of patients experienced acute complications (n = 76 of 87), including 1 intraoperative death, and 22% of patients (n = 17 of 77) experienced long-term complications.

Conclusion

Surgical fires in otolaryngology persist despite aggressive multi-institutional efforts to curb their incidence. Guideline recommendations to minimize the concentration of delivered oxygen and use laser-safe tubes when indicated were not observed in many cases. Improved institutional fire safety practices are needed nationally and internationally.

Airway fire during tracheostomy

INTRODUCTION

Twenty-five cases of airway fire during tracheostomy have been reported in the literature. The authors describe a case observed in their centre 3 years ago, discuss the causes and preventive management and propose guidelines for prevention of this complication.

CASE REPORT

A 66-year-old woman was intubated and ventilated with 100% oxygen during general anaesthesia for tracheostomy. On opening the trachea by monopolar diathermy, the oxygen present in the endotracheal tube caught fire, inducing combustion of the tube spreading to the lower airways. This airway fire was responsible for severe acute respiratory failure and the formation of multiple laryngotracheal stenoses.

DISCUSSION

Combustion of the endotracheal tube due to ignition of anaesthetic gases induced by the heat generated by diathermy is responsible for airway fire. These various phenomena are discussed. Prevention is based on safety measures and coordination of surgical and anaesthetic teams.

Practice advisory for the prevention and management of operating room fires: an updated report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Operating Room Fires

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

An assessment of the occupational hazards related to medical lasers

OBJECTIVE

Occupational hazards associated with medical laser applications remain poorly understood and uncharacterized.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using PubMed, and all articles relevant to beam and nonbeam medical laser hazards were reviewed. The Rockwell Laser Industries Laser Accident Database was searched for medical laser injuries and abstracted.

RESULTS

Eye injuries, skin burns, injuries related to the onset of fires, and electric shock have been reported in relation to medical laser use. It is probable that both acute and chronic health effects have been experienced by medical personnel as the result of exposure to laser generated air contaminants.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the clinical benefits they provide, the growth of laser technologies and applications are anticipated to result in an increase in the number and type of medical personnel with future exposure to laser hazards.

Operating room fires in otolaryngology: risk factors and prevention

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to characterize the causes of operating room (OR) fires in otolaryngology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was designed to elicit the characteristics of OR fires experienced by otolaryngologists. The survey was advertised to 8523 members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-nine questionnaires were completed. Eighty-eight surgeons (25.2%) witnessed at least one OR fire in their career, 10 experienced 2 fires each, and 2 reported 5 fires each. Of 106 reported fires, details were available for 100. The most common ignition sources were an electrosurgical unit (59%), a laser (32%), and a light cord (7%). Twenty-seven percent of fires occurred during endoscopic airway surgery, 24% during oropharyngeal surgery, 23% during cutaneous or transcutaneous surgery of the head and neck, and 18% during tracheostomy; 7% were related to a light cord, and 1% was related to an anesthesia machine. Eighty-one percent of fires occurred while supplemental oxygen was in use. Common fuels included an endotracheal tube (31%), OR drapes/towels (18%), and flash fire (where no substrate burned) (11%). Less common fuels included alcohol-based preparation solution, gauze sponges, patient's hair or skin, electrosurgical unit with retrofitted insulation over the tip, tracheostomy tube, tonsil sponge, suction tubing, a cottonoid pledget, and a red rubber catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

OR fire may occur in a wide variety of clinical settings; endoscopic airway surgery, oropharyngeal surgery, cutaneous surgery, and tracheostomy present the highest risk for otolaryngologists. Electrosurgical devices and lasers are the most likely to produce ignition.

Management of suprastomal tracheal fibroma: introduction of a new technique and comparison with other techniques

OBJECTIVE

Suprastomal tracheal granuloma/fibroma (SSTGF) is a common cause of failure to decannulate following pediatric tracheostomy. Because larger lesions obstruct the trachea, it is necessary to remove them prior to decannulation. Various methods have been described for the management of these obstructing tracheal lesions, including the KTP laser, Nd-YAG laser, sphenoid punch, optical forceps, microsuspension laryngoscopy with an articulated arm (MSLAA), and external excision. A hollow core guide fiber for the CO(2) laser has been developed that can be advanced to better approximate targeted tissues and minimize thermal spread using a near-contact method.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of 30 children under the age of 7 years (21M, 9F) with SSTGF who underwent treatment by either external excision (n=10), MSLAA (n=10), or CO(2) laser vaporization by fiberoptic laser carrier (n=10). The medical charts were reviewed for excision techniques and outcomes.

RESULTS

Mean operative time for external excision was 34.9min (SD=10.2min), for MSLAA was 16.3min (SD=4.8min), and for fiberoptic CO(2) laser carrier was 19.3min (SD=7.1min). Mean hospital time postoperatively for external excision was 24h (SD=510min), for MSLAA was 3.3h (SD=37.7min), and for fiberoptic CO(2) laser carrier was 3.9h (SD=46.3min). Need for additional procedures was seen in 60% of external excision procedures, 70% of MSLAA procedures, and in 30% of fiberoptic CO(2) laser carrier procedures. Immediate postoperative decannulation was possible in 10% of the external excision group, 20% of the MSLAA group, and 40% of the fiberoptic CO(2) laser carrier group.

CONCLUSIONS

The new technique of using a fiberoptic carrier for the CO(2) laser to treat children with SSTGF's is comparable to more traditional techniques of SSTGF removal when considering the need for additional procedures, postoperative hospital stay, and percentage of immediate postoperative decannulation and provides another useful tool in the armamentarium of the surgeon in treating SSTGF's.

Suction cautery and electrosurgical risks in otolaryngology

BACKGROUND

Flash fires, mucosal injuries and commissure burns during otolaryngology procedures have been largely attributed to anesthetic and surgical errors. Reports of direct electrosurgical device related events are rare. The discovery of thermal damage to the oral commissure during routine suction cautery adenoidectomy at our institution prompted a detailed investigation of the device's thermal properties. We complement this analysis with a review of electrocautery device related injuries reported in otolaryngology literature.

METHODS

FLIR Systems Thermovision A40 infrared camera was used to evaluate temperature changes along the electrosurgical wand of suction cautery devices. Shaft temperatures were measured at specific times of continuous use, distances along the shaft, and cautery settings. A literature search of electrocautery-associated injuries during upper aerodigestive procedure was then performed. Nine pediatric otolaryngologists were then interviewed for historical experience with electrocautery injuries.

RESULTS

Temperatures exceeding 60 degrees C, and sufficient to cause thermal soft tissue damage, occurred along the suction cautery wand at a setting of 40 Watts (W). These temperatures traveled far enough to appose the oral commissure when the device was simultaneously in continuous use, in the fulgurate mode, and with the suction turned off. Literature review identified eleven articles specifically pertaining to electrosurgical injuries during routine oropharyngeal procedures. Flash fires and their associated burns were the most frequently reported complication. Conversely, seven of ten cases elicited from peer interviews were oral or commissure burns attributed to improper insulation of electrocautery devices.

CONCLUSIONS

Inadvertent electrosurgical injuries during routine otolaryngology procedures can result from inadequate equipment insulation. Techniques to reduce the likelihood of these events are discussed.

Fatal inhalation injury caused by airway fire during tracheostomy

A 45-year-old man needed emergency tracheostomy and cranioplasty. He was intubated with a cuffed oral polyvinylchloride endotracheal tube and ventilated with 100% oxygen before tracheal incision. During opening of the trachea using diathermy, a popping sound was heard and flames originating from the tracheal incision were observed. The endotracheal tube was charred and its lumen had melted. Immediately after the incident, bronchofibroscopic examination revealed inhalation injury. After remaining for 8 weeks in hospital, the patient was transferred to a health care centre, where he was found dead in his bed.

Fiberoptic light source-induced surgical fires -- the contribution of forced-air warming blankets

BACKGROUND

Fiberoptic light sources have been identified as a fire ignition mechanism in the operating room. This study attempted to determine whether a forced-air warming blanket (FAWB) could affect the ignition or spread of fire caused by a fiberoptic light source.

METHODS

We exposed surgical drapes to a fiberoptic light source at close range. The results were categorized according to time to first smoke and damage resulting at 1 min. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney rank-sum test.

RESULTS

The sums of the rank values for the components of the drape indicated that there was a greater than 96.8-99.2% chance that the FAWB accelerated the time to first smoke. The FAWB appeared to protect the patient gown from damage during all trials. The presence of an FAWB under a surgical drape accelerated the time to first smoke when exposed to unprotected fiberoptic light sources, yet prevented damage to the underlying patient gown. In an actual surgical setting, it is likely that the FAWB would offer some protection to the patient's skin directly below the surgical drape.

CONCLUSION

It is likely that the FAWB can offer some protection to the patient should an unprotected fiberoptic light source cause a fire.

AIRWAY FIRE DURING TRACHEOTOMY

We report a case of airway fire during surgical tracheotomy using diathermy for the incision into the trachea. A literature review of airway fire during tracheotomy was carried out, and the management of airway fire is discussed. Recommendations are made to prevent this adverse outcome.

Surgical fires-Learn not to burn

Consequences of a surgical fire can be deadly. Fires can occur in any setting where invasive procedures are performed. The basic principle to remember is that people start most fires, and people can prevent them. Fire safety training is essential so that staff members recognize the elements of the fire triangle and how these elements come together every day in their practice. Fire drills are an important aspect of this training. Education also must include review of written policies and procedures on fire safety and prevention. Staff members must learn how to respond to and fight fires on or in the patient. Fire safety and prevention must be a priority for managers and staff members.

Occupational burns from oxygen resuscitator fires: the hazard of aluminum regulators

BACKGROUND

There have been over 30 incidents of oxygen resuscitator fires over the last 6 years, causing severe burns to a number of fire fighters, emergency medical service personnel, health care workers, and patients. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was requested to investigate three such incidents.

METHODS

NIOSH conducted site investigations of the incidents, and the requesters also sent the involved oxygen resuscitators to a forensic engineering company for a causal analysis.

RESULTS

The investigated fires were associated with aluminum regulators, all from one manufacturer, on compressed pure oxygen cylinders. The investigations indicated that the cause of the fires was an initial small ignition in the high-pressure area of the aluminum regulator, which then consumed itself in a massive burnout.

CONCLUSIONS

Aluminum regulators used with high-pressure oxygen systems are subject to rare, but potentially catastrophic combustion in normal use. Replacement of such regulators with those made of more fire-resistant materials or designs, as well as education and improved safety practices are needed to reduce this hazard.