Oxygen Embolism and Pneumocephalus After Hydrogen Peroxide Application During Minimally Invasive Transforaminal...

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) solution is commonly used to irrigate wounds because of its hemostatic and antiseptic properties. Previous studies suggest that H₂O₂ can result in toxicity to keratinocytes and fibroblasts, but complications after H₂O₂ application, including oxygen embolism, which is one of the most severe, have rarely been reported.

A 40-year-old woman was diagnosed with L4-5 lumbar spinal stenosis and subsequently underwent minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion treatment at another hospital. Hypotension, hypoxia, and a decrease in end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure occurred immediately after H₂O₂ irrigation. After the operation, she was able to be extubated but remained comatose. Postoperative computed tomography scan revealed intracranial air trapping in the right frontal lobe and multiple cerebral infarction foci.

When using a knee-prone surgical position or in cases of dural laceration, the application of undiluted H₂O₂ solution should be avoided, especially in a surgical wound within a closed cavity. When hypotension, hypoxia, and a decrease in end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure occur immediately after H₂O₂ irrigation, oxygen embolism should be strongly suspected.