Gas embolism after periproctal abscess incision and lavage with hydrogen peroxide − a case report Should the use of hydrogen peroxide in surgery be continued?

Česká verzia

Authors: A. Zatloukal
Authors place of work: Chirurgická klinika Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava
Published in the journal: Rozhl. Chir., 2021, roč. 100, č. 1, s. 37-39.
Category: Case Report
doi: https://doi.org/10.33699/PIS.2021.100.1.37–39

Summary

Introduction: Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic solution still often used in surgical departments for lavage of wounds. Its use is nevertheless linked to an important risk of gas embolism. Such a case report has not yet been published in the Czech literature and awareness of this danger is low among surgeons.

Case report: The author describes the case of gas embolism in a 40 years old patient after lavage of a periproctal abscess incision with 3% hydrogen peroxide. The lavage resulted in a cardiopulmonary arrest with the need of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Fortunately, the patient recovered without any health consequences.

Conclusion: In the view of important risks and questionable and insufficiently proven benefits it may be the time to possibly reconsider the use of hydrogen peroxide in surgery and replace it with a different antiseptic agent.

Keywords:

hydrogen peroxide − gas embolism − case report

Zdroje

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