A patient with intraoral fire during tonsillectomy

J Craniofac Surg. 2014 Sep;25(5):1822-4. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000001036.

Abstract

Perioperative fires inside the mouth can have long-lasting sequelae. They are potentially dangerous both to the patient and to the operation room staff as well. Herein, we present a flash fire in the oropharynx, secondary to electrosurgery during a tonsillectomy operation in a young child. Despite a potentially devastating situation, the patient recovered well within just a week following intraoral burn injuries, and the initially interrupted tonsillectomy operation was completed without complications. The dangerous situations leading to fire hazards and the prevention measures are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Burns / etiology*
  • Child
  • Electrocoagulation / adverse effects
  • Electrosurgery / adverse effects*
  • Fires* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Male
  • Oropharynx / injuries*
  • Tonsillectomy / methods*