SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN - ENSURING ITS SAFE DELIVERY DURING FACIAL SURGERY

Facial surgery can be performed under a variety of anesthetic methods. If local anesthesia is combined with sedative anesthesia, the patient may require supplemental oxygen. If, during the administration of supplemental oxygen, intraoperative electrosurgical coagulation is required, the potential for a flash fire exists. Operative fires associated with electrosurgical and electrocautery units have been reported in ophthalmologic and otolaryngologic procedures. Endotracheal tubes,1 surgical drapes,2 and intraoral gauze3 have all ignited in these oxygen- saturated environments. Following the occurrence of a flash fire during facial surgery, it became clear that no guidelines exist for the safe use of electrosurgical units in facial surgery requiring supplemental oxygen administration. This study determined the minimum conditions for combustion secondary to electrosurgical unit use while supplemental oxygen was administered during facial surgery. © 1995 American Society of Plastic Surgeons.