[A case of latex allergy induced by indwelt Foley catheter]

A 7-year-old boy with microtia was scheduled for otoplasty under general anesthesia. A Foley catheter was indwelt very gently following tracheal intubation but his foreskin showed remarkable edema about 15 minutes later. All vital signs were normal. His lungs were ventilated easily and no rash or edema was found except for penis. Operation was completed uneventfully as planned. He recovered from anesthesia smoothly but foreskin edema still remained. Allergic reaction was suspected and scratch test was performed to determine the allergen on the next day. Positive reaction to Foley catheter extracts and high serum latex-specific IgE antibody level proved that latex containing Foley catheter had caused foreskin edema. All anesthesiologists should pay attention to latex allergy and interview all patients in detail in preanesthetic evaluation.