Tracheostomal fire during an elective tracheostomy.
Some surgeries, a tracheostomy and oral surgeries in particular, have a higher risk of fire. Often it can occur when leaking flammable gas contacts an ignition heat source. Fire during a tracheostomy can sometimes be seen to produce different degrees of insult to the patient. The essential components of a fire, i.e., the fuel source, ignition, and an oxidizer, can be avoided or blocked in order to prevent fires from occurring. Herein, we discuss a fire during a tracheotomy, and ways to avoid its occurrence, and how to stop once it gets started. This case demonstrates 2 important points regarding tracheostomies. First, extreme caution should be exercised when cautery is used in an approximately 100% oxygen gaseous condition, and second, immediate extubation is not absolutely necessary if a fire breaks out during a tracheostomy. The procedures which can be taken when facing this type of emergency are also considered and discussed.
Lin
I-Hung
IH
Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
Hwang
Chung-Feng
CF
Kao
Yi-Fen
YF
Chang
Kow-Aung
KA
Peng
Jyh-Ping
JP
D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008875:Middle Aged; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*