title: Rectal stump lavage: simple procedure resulting in life-threatening complication.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
authors.forename: Shirley Y W
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Janet Fung-Yee
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Simon S M
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Jimmy C M
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Raymond Y C
authors.initials: RY
authors.lastname: Yiu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine