[Oxygen embolism after intraoperative use of hydrogen peroxide]

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used for irrigation of surgical wounds. However, its administration has been associated with gas embolism. We report a case of gas embolism after wound irrigation with hydrogen peroxide in a 11-year-old boy undergoing extraction of the extra-traumatic splint under general anesthesia. When 3% hydrogen peroxide 12 ml was applied to wound of the left femur after extraction of the splint, the patient showed clinical signs of pulmonary embolism. Symptomatic treatment was initiated immediately. When the patient awoke from anesthesia, he showed tonic convulsion. But he recovered without any complications. The administration of hydrogen peroxide into a closed tissue is contraindicated during surgery.