Airway fire injury during rigid bronchoscopy in a patient with a silicon stent -A case report-

Abstract

Therapeutic bronchoscopy is widely employed as an effective first-line treatment for patients with central airway obstructions. Airway fires during rigid bronchoscopy are rare, but can have potentially devastating consequences. Pulmonologist and anesthesiologist undertaking this type of procedure should be aware of this serious problem and be familiar with measures to avoid this possibly fatal complication. We report the case of a 24-year-old patient with a silicone stent who experienced an electrocautery-induced airway fire during rigid bronchoscopy. © the Korean Society of Anesthesiologists, 2012.