This case report details the resulting anaphylaxis and angioedema following placement of Surgicel hemostatic agent in a 38-year-old male postoperatively. Our patient experienced minor postoperative bleeding at the placement site of a dialysis catheter, which was controlled using Surgicel. Within minutes of the placement of Surgicel in the incision, the patient experienced an anaphylactic reaction with facial angioedema resulting in a Rapid Response being called to intervene. Incidences of Surgicel-induced anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity reactions are rare, but this report aims to bring awareness to this potential complication, as well as to assist with guiding management of future adverse reactions and surveillance of patients afterward.
Keywords: allergic reaction; anaphylaxis; angioedema; cellulose; hypersensitivity; permacath placement; post operative; surgicel.
Copyright © 2021, Corti et al.