Anaphylactic shock following intraurethral lidocaine administration during transurethral resection of the prostate

Anaphylactic shock was noted following an apparently uneventful transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Lidocaine jelly was used prior to urethral dilatation and before placement of three-way Foley. Lidocaine sensitivity was diagnosed serendipitously when lidocaine jelly was used for application of ECG electrodes. Anaphylaxis may be one of the rare differentials to be considered in a patient with postoperative shock following TURP. This report highlights a potentially fatal complication of an apparently innocuous and ubiquitous urological use of lidocaine.