Minimizing Fire Risk during Eye Surgery

Supplemental oxygen under the drapes in high concentrations can lead to fires in ophthalmic theaters. This study attempted to eliminate the fire risk while maintaining the required therapeutic effect. The sample consisted of 201 patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery, with 104 subjects in the control group and 97 in the experimental group. A quasi-experimental design compared the existing method of oxygen administration (100% supply) with a new method (experimental) providing 24% oxygen supply. Measurements of the oxygen concentration were taken along with the fractional inspiratory carbon dioxide (FiCO2), the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), the end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), and the respiratory rate (RR). There was a significant difference in oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations under the drapes (p < .05). The fractional inspiratory carbon dioxide was reduced in the experimental group. The new method was adopted to reduce the risk of fire in ophthalmic operating theaters.