Airway Fire During Tracheostomy

Abstract

Introduction

Airway fire is a life-threatening complication in the operation table which is preventable.  We report an incident of airway fire that occurred during a tracheostomy and discuss what went wrong.

Case report

A 48-year-old gentleman with carcinoma tongue and multinodular goiter underwent modified radical neck dissection, hemithyroidectomy, tracheostomy, hemi glossectomy, and free radial forearm flap reconstruction. During tracheal hemostasis with cautery, a flame appeared, and airway burns resulted. It was extinguished in a few seconds with wet mops, but the resultant combustion injury of the tracheobronchial tree and later bilateral pneumonia required multiple sittings of bronchoscopic toileting and intensive airway management for recovery.

Discussion

This report is to make anesthetists and surgeons aware of such a rare but life-threatening complication, its prevention, and early therapeutic steps which can prevent long-term complications and death.