Kaohsiung J Med Sci
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Kaohsiung J Med Sci · Apr 2006
Case ReportsTracheostomy tube ignition during microlaryngeal surgery using diode laser: a case report.
Ignition of the tracheal tube during laser microlaryngeal surgery under general anesthesia is an uncommon complication with potentially serious consequences. We present here a case of a patient with glottic stenosis following endotracheal intubation, who experienced this potentially catastrophic combustion during endoscopic arytenoidectomy, using a diode laser under general anesthesia via 60% FiO2, with an airway fire occurring at the tracheostomy tube and causing tubal damage and obstruction. ⋯ No adverse consequences to this patient's upper airway were noted during follow-up visits. Higher oxygen concentrations, the presence of combustibles, and the narrowness of the surgical field during endolaryngeal diode laser surgery are risk factors for airway fires.