Patient Mervyn Davies: Treated for burns

The hospital confirmed a "small flash fire" occurred during the operation, causing internal burns to Mr Davies's windpipe.

The family claimed the surgeon conducting the operation burned his fingers in the incident.

It is also claimed that another surgeon was called upon to try and finish the operation, but because of the burns Mr Davies had received, it was not possible to do so.

It is known that there was a small flash fire which affected part of the anaesthetic equipment

North East Wales NHS Trust statement

Hospital chiefs are to hold an internal inquiry and have removed the instruments used in the operation from general use.

Health and Safety officials and the fire service are also investigating the matter.

NHS Trust officials have apologised to Mr Davies's family and his relatives have praised the hospital for acting quickly to investiagte, but their calls for an inquiry have been echoed by Elfyn Llwyd MP.

"It is vital that we get to the root of this as soon as possible.

"This equipment could be used on others in the hospital and in other hospitals as well". Mr Llwyd said.

Val Doyle, Director of Nursing at Wrexham Maelor said: "No staff were injured at all.

The nursing staff and the consultant were obviously very distressed about the whole incident and as a consequence we decided to change the team so that the operation could continue."

Mr Davies' s family who live near Dolgellau said they have been traumatised by the accident.

Margaret Jones, sister of Mervyn Davies said: "We are very shocked, very distressed about it.

"Our sister-in-law is still in shock, she has just lost her mother and this on top again it has really, really shocked her."

After surgery, Mr Davies was admitted to the high dependency unit, although he has now been transferred to the ear, nose and throat ward.

Magaret Jones, sister of Mervyn Davies

He is currently thought to be making a satisfactory post-operative recovery and is in a comfortable condition.

However, his family say he is depressed and afraid to finish the procedure.

As part of the investigation into the incident, it is thought that the Medical Devices Agency may decide to issue a bulletin alerting hospitals about possible faulty equipment or medical procedures.

The Welsh Assembly is also looking at introducing a National Patient Safety Agency whereby information can be shared on on a nationwide basis between hospitals so that faulty devices and procedures be kept to a minimum.

It will be a central database of 'adverse incidents' about patient accidents and any potential faults with equipment, or medical supplies, which would be highlighted and the information available to all NHS Trusts.