Alcohol-based skin disinfection of the umbilicus resulting in the electrosurgical device-related fire: A case report
Abstract
Alcohol-based antiseptic solutions are widely used for preoperative skin preparation but may rarely cause surgical fires. We report a case of surgical drape ignition during transumbilical laparoscopic surgery in a woman in her late 30s. A fire occurred shortly after starting to use an electrosurgical unit following additional disinfection of the umbilicus with an alcohol-based chlorhexidine solution. When additional disinfection is performed, care should be taken to ensure that the antiseptic is completely dry before proceeding. Under specific circumstances, alcohol-free antiseptic solutions may be considered as an alternative.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Surgical site infection prevention
Infection Control in Healthcare
Patient Safety and Medication Errors
Publication details
- Journal / source
- JCA advances.
- Volume
- 3
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 100204–100204
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN