Abstract
A 51-year-old man with a tattoo covering large parts of his body underwent a lower anterior resection. Intraoperatively, he suddenly developed low blood pressure, tachycardia, and facial flush. Anaphylactic shock was suspected, and the operation was stopped. Intravenous injection of epinephrine and other medications improved the patient's general condition and stabilized his vital signs. A postoperative examination revealed high serum levels of latex-specific type E immunoglobulin. Therefore, this event was very likely caused by a latex allergy. A reoperation performed with latex-free equipment was completed without complications. Several case reports have described latex as a cause of intraoperative anaphylaxis. Generally, the patients underwent frequent medical interventions or worked in the medical field or in manufacturing. These populations come frequently in contact with rubber gloves and are therefore at high risk of latex allergy. In our case, the patient did not belong to any high-risk group. This suggests that he was sensitized to latex during the application of his extensive tattoo.
