Rectal Stump Lavage: Simple Procedure Resulting in Life-threatening Complication
In colorectal resections, rectal stump lavage is commonly performed prior to primary anastomosis for reducing bacterial counts and minimizing the risk of anastomotic recurrence. Being a potent bactericidal and cytotoxic disinfectant, chlorhexidine is frequently chosen as the irrigation solution of c...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2007-01-01
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| Series: | Asian Journal of Surgery |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1015958409601329 |
| Summary: | In colorectal resections, rectal stump lavage is commonly performed prior to primary anastomosis for reducing bacterial counts and minimizing the risk of anastomotic recurrence. Being a potent bactericidal and cytotoxic disinfectant, chlorhexidine is frequently chosen as the irrigation solution of choice for such purposes. Despite its widespread use, the potential for developing chlorhexidine allergy is still a major concern due to the ever-rising number of literature reports of hypersensitivity reactions to chlorhexidine in surgical patients. This report illustrates the first reported case of life-threatening chlorhexidine anaphylaxis after its use in rectal stump lavage for colorectal resection. This report serves as a reminder of the potential danger of this “hidden allergen” in clinical practice. |
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| ISSN: | 1015-9584 |