Topical anesthesia-induced methemoglobinemia in bariatric surgery patients

Obes Surg. 2005 Feb;15(2):282-5. doi: 10.1381/0960892053268525.

Abstract

Methemoglobinemia leads to rapid oxygen desaturation, requiring prompt recognition and treatment. We present two severely obese patients who developed methemoglobinemia following the use of topical or local anesthetic. This complication was detected by analysis of arterial blood gases, and was successfully treated with methylene blue i.v. and 100% O2 supplementation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y
  • Anesthesia, Local / adverse effects*
  • Anesthesia, Local / methods
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Body Mass Index
  • Female
  • Gastric Bypass / methods*
  • Humans
  • Methemoglobinemia / chemically induced*
  • Methemoglobinemia / physiopathology
  • Methylene Blue / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity, Morbid / diagnosis
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery*
  • Oxygen / therapeutic use
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Oxygen
  • Methylene Blue