Operating room fires in head and neck surgery

Operating room fires pose a significant risk of harm to surgical patients, particularly in head and neck surgical procedures. Surgical fires occur when three essential elements are present (the so-called ‘fire triad’): an ignition source, a fuel, and an oxidising agent. The authors have performed a number of research trials investigating the risk factors involved in the development of fires during endoscopic, oropharyngeal, and airway surgeries. This review explores the results of those studies and examines the risk factors for operating room fire with an emphasis on prevention. Careful control of the oxidiser, ignition source, and attention to potential fuels in the operating room can significantly reduce the risk of operating room fire formation and improve patient safety