A Case of Intraoperative Latex Anaphylaxis during General Anesthesia for Rectal Cancer Resection

Abstract

A 72-year-old woman underwent high anterior resection for rectal cancer. Fifteen minutes after the start of the operation, the pressure on the respiratory tract rose, blood pressure and SpO₂ dropped, and skin rash, wheezing and ECG disorder appeared. The anesthesiologist suspected latex anaphylaxis and interrupted the operation. The patient was treated immediately for anaphylactic shock, and recovered. Post-operation, she showed positive reaction to latex specific IgE, suggesting that the anaphylaxis was induced by latex allergy. A re-operation was performed under a latex-free environment. No allergic reaction was seen during or after the re-operation.