Surgical fires and alcohol-based skin preparations.
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.
Tooher
Rebecca
R
Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures-Surgical, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Adelaide, South Australia.
Maddern
Guy J
GJ
Simpson
John
J
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
D000438:Alcohols