Acquiring tetanus after hemorrhoid banding and other gastrointestinal procedures.
Tetanus after hemorrhoidal banding is an extremely rare but serious complication of the procedure. We describe the second reported case of this complication and review the literature concerning tetanus after different gastrointestinal procedures. Although a rare complication, practicing physicians need to be aware of the clinical presentation of this deadly disease when encountered in at-risk patient populations. Such cases also reemphasize the importance of primary tetanus immunization and follow-up boosters for all vulnerable patients.
Kasher
John Afshin
JA
Department of Medicine, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, 14445 Olive View Drive, 2B-182, Sylmar, CA 91342-1438, USA. kasher2@yahoo.com
Mathisen
Glenn
G
D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013742:Tetanus / Q000209:etiology*