According to the report, the chief of surgery was inserting a breathing tube during a tracheotomy. An electronic scalpel allegedly gave off tiny sparks which, in combination with the patient’s oxygen supply, ignited a fire. Hospital insiders and the patient allege the surgical fire led to burns, while the surgeon argues the fire was extinguished without any harm to the patient.
The fire was not reported to the state Health Department since it was deemed harmless, but a hospital spokesman confirmed the facility would be looking into the matter.
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