[Can iatrogenic air embolism related to intraoperative use of hydrogen peroxide be easily avoided?].
Air embolism is a rare complication of intraoperative use of hydrogen peroxide. We present the case of a young girl who underwent surgery for septic nonunion of the femur and developed this complication postoperatively. Outcome was fortunately favorable. A review of the surgery and anesthesia literature revealed the pathogenic mechanism of this type of accident together with the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic practices. We propose here a series of preventive measures based on our experience and data in the literature: inform the anesthetist before using hydrogen peroxide, use a cup instead of a syringe for administrating hydrogen peroxide and avoid use in deep highly vascularized cavities.
Département d'Anesthésie Réanimation, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, CHU de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, 76000 Rouen.
P-G
PG
Guitard
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P
Delmon
M
M
Acra
J
J
Lechevallier
B
B
Dureuil
D000293:Adolescent; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide