Electrocautery-induced fire during adenotonsillectomy: report of two cases

We describe two cases of flash fires in the oropharynx, secondary to electrocautery during adenotonsillectomies. We believe that in both cases, the leak around the uncuffed endotracheal tubes raised the oxygen concentration in the oropharynx. Cuffed endotracheal tubes provide many advantages, and their use should strongly be considered during adenotonsillectomy in children when electrocautery is to be used.