[Can iatrogenic air embolism related to intraoperative use of hydrogen peroxide be easily avoided?]

Air embolism is a rare complication of intraoperative use of hydrogen peroxide. We present the case of a young girl who underwent surgery for septic nonunion of the femur and developed this complication postoperatively. Outcome was fortunately favorable. A review of the surgery and anesthesia literature revealed the pathogenic mechanism of this type of accident together with the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic practices. We propose here a series of preventive measures based on our experience and data in the literature: inform the anesthetist before using hydrogen peroxide, use a cup instead of a syringe for administrating hydrogen peroxide and avoid use in deep highly vascularized cavities.