Operating room fires in head and neck surgery

Publication Date

2014

Journal Title

J Operating Dept Pract

Abstract

Operating room fires pose a significant risk of harm to surgical patients, particularly in head and neck surgical procedures. Surgical fires occur when three essential elements are present (the so-called ‘fire triad’): an ignition source, a fuel, and an oxidising agent. The authors have performed a number of research trials investigating the risk factors involved in the development of fires during endoscopic, oropharyngeal, and airway surgeries. This review explores the results of those studies and examines the risk factors for operating room fire with an emphasis on prevention. Careful control of the oxidiser, ignition source, and attention to potential fuels in the operating room can significantly reduce the risk of operating room fire formation and improve patient safety.

Volume Number

2

Issue Number

5

Pages

231-234

Document Type

Article

Status

Faculty

Facility

School of Medicine

Primary Department

Otolaryngology

Additional Departments

Pediatrics

DOI

10.12968/jodp.2014.2.5.231

Comments

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