Fire Safety in Mohs Micrographic Surgery

BACKGROUND Surgical fire is a rare event, but one with potentially devastating patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of surgical fires experienced by members of the American College of Mohs Surgeons (ACMS). METHODS An internet survey was developed and sent to ACMS members. Data collected included total years of experience, total number of cases, typical management of supplemental oxygen, and surgical fires experienced. RESULTS Eighty participants contributed data on 886,200 cases of MMS. Nine surgeons (11%) reported at least 1 surgical fire, yielding an estimated incidence of 1 fire per 88,620 cases (0.001%). The most common site of involvement was the scalp (67%). Common ignition sources included monopolar electrosurgical devices (78%) and battery-powered thermal cautery (22%). Fuel sources included towels or drapes, gauze, isopropyl alcohol, aluminum chloride, hairspray, and diethyl ether. Supplemental oxygen was not involved in any of the cases. Five patients suffered singed hair while 4 patients did not suffer any injuries. None suffered any permanent functional or aesthetic deformities. CONCLUSION The overall risk of surgical fire in MMS is minimal. However, safety measures and greater awareness of fire risks are necessary to prevent patient harm.