Work

Alcohol-based skin disinfection of the umbilicus resulting in the electrosurgical device-related fire: A case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Alcohol-based antiseptic solutions are widely used for preoperative skin preparation but may rarely cause surgical fires. We report a case of surgical drape ignition during transumbilical laparoscopic surgery in a woman in her late 30s. A fire occurred shortly after starting to use an electrosurgical unit following additional disinfection of the umbilicus with an alcohol-based chlorhexidine solution. When additional disinfection is performed, care should be taken to ensure that the antiseptic is completely dry before proceeding. Under specific circumstances, alcohol-free antiseptic solutions may be considered as an alternative.

Source: JCA advances.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcadva.2026.100204

Authors: Momoka Kobayashi, Chiaki Nemoto, Satoki Inoue

Institutions: Ohara General Hospital, Fukushima Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Surgical site infection prevention

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,200