Diathermy induced gas explosion during laparotomy: a case report

Martin Sindani1, Paul William Itule Lugwaja1, Novath Ngowi1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

PubMed
Summary

Diathermy can cause fatal gastrointestinal explosions during surgery, especially when flammable gases like hydrogen and methane are present. Surgeons must take precautions to vent these gases before using diathermy to prevent surgical blasts.

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