title: Surgical fires and alcohol-based skin preparations.
abstract: Alcohol-based skin preparations are known to be flammable. Their use continues despite a significant level of risk. Two cases of fires resulting from ignition of pooled alcohol-based skin preparations are reported. Both cases were associated with use of electrocautery for haemostasis. The literature is reviewed and recommendations are made to reduce the risk of further similar occurrences.
authors.affiliation: Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures-Surgical, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Adelaide, South Australia.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tooher
authors.forename: Guy J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Maddern
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000438:Alcohols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D003972:Diathermy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
chemical_list: D000438:Alcohols