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Explosions during lower bowel electrosurgery: A method of prevention

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    H2 and CH4 are produced in the colonic lumen from the fermentation of nonabsorbable (e.g. lactulose, mannitol) or incompletely absorbed (lactose, fructose, sorbitol) carbohydrates by the colonic flora. Concentrations of H2 more than 4% and/or CH4 more than 5% are considered potentially explosive [4]. Therefore, cleansing solution containing mannitol or other malabsorbed carbohydrates (e.g., sorbitol) should be avoided in the preparation of colon, and several studies agree since 1990 that these agents such as polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) and oral sodium phosphate (NaP) solution provide a safe for electrocautery during colonoscopy by decreasing the concentrations of combustible gases [8].

  • Methods of luminal distention for colonoscopy

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    Mannitol preparations have been associated with a higher frequency of potentially explosive levels of hydrogen and methane.33,34 Because oxygen is a requirement for explosion and CO2 is nonflammable, the use of CO2 as an insufflating gas virtually eliminates the risk of colonic explosion.9,35 CO2 absorbed as a result of colonic insufflation is primarily eliminated by an increase in minute ventilation.

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    2010, Surgeon
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    Advances in surgical practice in the past few decades have introduced new fire risks. These include laparoscopy, where the pneumoperitoneum is a potential hazard,34,35 as are the light sources used,36 endoscopic and transurethral surgery37,38 and the use of lasers39 and diathermy40,41 to cut and coagulate tissue. The vast majority of surgical fires, however, occur during head and neck (including plastic and neurosurgery),42–46 particularly airway,7,8,47,48 surgery.

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    In approximately half of the patients with an unprepared colon, potentially explosive concentrations of methane and especially of hydrogen have been observed.25,26 Levy27 first reported colon explosion after “electrodesiccation” in 1954. During the last decade, several cases of colon explosion were reported during endoscopic APC treatment (Table 1).

  • Aerophagia

    2007, FMC Formacion Medica Continuada en Atencion Primaria
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