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Intraabdominal Fire During Emergency Laparotomy

  • Heather Christopherson
  • , Alan Kroll
    • HCA Healthcare

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    72 yo obese male presented to ED for 2 day history abdominal pain: sharp, radiating bilateral upper quadrants, n/v/constipation. Patient took entire bottle magnesium citrate, pain became unbearable. On arrival SaO2 88% RA, other vitals stable, Lactic Acid 1.85 mg/dl, CT abdomen massive free air. Taken to OR, intubated, general anesthesia, peritoneal cavity entered with cautery device. Upon entering peritoneum abdomen, flames erupted from the cavity. Flames spontaneously extinguished. No thermal injury sustained by patient. Surgeon’s eyebrows where singed, no other injuries sustained by OR staff. Patient remained hemodynamically stable, surgery proceeded without incident.

    Original languageAmerican English
    JournalAnesthesiology
    StatePublished - Oct 21 2019

    Keywords

    • surgical fire risk
    • perforated intestine
    • laparotomy
    • electrocautery
    • near miss - healthcare

    Disciplines

    • Anesthesiology
    • Equipment and Supplies
    • Surgical Procedures, Operative

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