Anaphylaxis caused by latex surgical gloves immediately after starting surgery

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is an acute and fatal systemic allergic reaction to an allergen, and it can be an unpredictable and lifethreatening cause during anesthesia. Latex is the second most common cause of anaphylaxis following the use of neuromuscular blocking agents during general anesthesia or surgery. We report on a 67-year-old male who had undergone surgery under general anesthesia without any problem but who presented with severe intraoperative anaphylaxis to latex surgical gloves. This case emphasizes the need for anesthesiologists to quickly diagnose and properly manage an allergic reaction in patients under general anesthesia. Copyright © 2010 Korean Society of Anesthesiologists.