When using Laser equipments in surgery,operating room fires rarely can occur and if it happens it can be devastating. These fires can occur during almost any surgical procedure but are more likely during airway surgery, during head and neck surgery, and if volatile flammable liquids are used.
Of all the surgical specialties, ENT procedures are associated with the greatest risk of fire.
Most procedures by ENT surgeons are associated with a fire risk due to the close proximity to the airway where oxygen enriched gases and/or nitrous oxide are often present, and the use of laser which can ignite a fire.
Here Dr.Thomas, the senior anesthetist explains all the precuation taken to avoid the airway fire .