Comment réduire les risque d’anaphylaxie au cours de l’anesthésie

Perioperative allergic reactions occurring during anaesthesia are a potentially life-threatening complication. Perioperative screening for risk factors, primary prevention for latex allergy and secondary prevention for allergy to anaesthetic agents and antibiotics should result in a reduction of the incidence of this complication. The anaesthesia technique chosen should be regional when this is compatible with the surgery and the least active histamine liberators should be used when general anesthesia is necessary. To make the diagnosis of this complication during the anesthesia and then to refer the patient to an allergy consultation centre are essential for identification of the responsible agent and to prevent its being used subsequently. In spite of preoperative screening, the incidence of allergic reactions to latex remains significant. The use of latex-free medical and surgical equipment decreases this risk and it should be an institution-wide measure.