Identification and Management of Perioperative Anaphylaxis

Abstract

The authors present a case of a patient with multiple episodes of perioperative anaphylaxis. The incidence and the most common causes of perioperative anaphylaxis are reviewed. The most common causes can vary by country and the type of perioperative medications used. The unique environment and the multiple medications and substances used in the anesthesia and surgical setting that make a definitive diagnosis challenging are outlined. A systematic strategy to recognize the reaction, identify the culprit, and direct future management are demonstrated. Management of the patient experiencing perioperative anaphylaxis requires close collaboration between the anesthesia, surgical, and allergy teams.

Keywords: Anaphylaxis; Anesthesia; Hypersensitivity reactions; Intraoperative; Perioperative period.