Operating Light Burn in an Orthopaedic Surgery: A Case Report.
Hemant Bansal1, Vivek Veeresh1, Samarth Mittal1
1Department of Orthopaedics, JPN Apex Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics
|March 7, 2022
Summary
A rare surgical complication occurred in a pelvic injury patient, resulting in an iatrogenic burn from prolonged operating light exposure. This highlights the risk of severe tissue damage in sensitive areas.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Complications
- Iatrogenic Injury
- Burn Management
Background:
- Pelvic ring injuries require complex surgical intervention, often involving open reduction and internal fixation.
- Postoperative complications can arise, necessitating careful patient monitoring and management.
- The operating theatre environment presents unique risks for accidental patient injury.
Observation:
- A patient developed a large blister and eschar formation in the inguinal region post-surgery for a pelvic ring injury.
- The burn complication occurred adjacent to the surgical site, suggesting a localized cause.
- Split skin grafting was required to manage the severe tissue damage.
Findings:
- Iatrogenic burns from prolonged operating light exposure are a rare but significant risk.
- Alcohol-based antiseptics and electro-cautery are known causes of surgical burns.
- The inguinal region is particularly vulnerable to severe damage from such iatrogenic burns.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of rare operating theatre burn causes is crucial for surgical teams.
- Preventive measures should be considered to mitigate risks associated with prolonged surgical lighting.
- Prompt and appropriate management, including skin grafting, is essential for burn recovery.
