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

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.