Electrocautery-Ignited Surgical Field Fire Caused by a High Oxygen Level during Tracheostomy

ABSTRACT

Tracheostomy is a relatively common surgical procedure that is performed easily in an operating room or intensive care unit. Open tracheostomy is needed in patients requiring prolonged ventilation when percutaneous tracheostomy is inappropriate. Sometimes, it is difficult to achieve bleeding control in the peritracheal soft tissue, and in such cases, we usually use diathermy. However, the possibility of an electrocautery-ignited surgical field fire can be overlooked during the procedure. This case report serves as a reminder that the risk of a surgical field fire during tracheostomy is real, particularly in patients requiring high-oxygen therapy.