Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2005 May;30(5):277-280.

A Case of Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Proctocolitis

• Kang NH
• Hur BW
• Kim HS
• Kim CH
• Kwon YW
• Kim HK
• Kim HJ

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used for cleansing superficial wounds because of its antimicrobial action attributed to oxidizing capacity. In the past, hydrogen peroxide was used for the management of meconium ileus and fecal impaction because liberated oxygen tend to break up impaction and initiate peristaltic reflux. During 1980s, hydrogen peroxide was also introduced for disinfection of endoscope but this stronger solution has a caustic action. Several authors reported hydrogen peroxide induced colitis. We report a case of hydrogen peroxide induced chemical colitis in a 28-year-old man who complained bloody stools and lower abdominal pain after introducing hydrogen peroxide solution into the rectum to relieve rectal bleeding. His symptoms were improved with conservative treatment.

Keyword

Hydrogen peroxide; Chemical colitis

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Adult
Colitis
Disinfection
Endoscopes
Fecal Impaction
Hemorrhage
Humans
Hydrogen Peroxide*
Hydrogen*
Ileus
Meconium
Oxygen
Proctocolitis*
Rectum
Wounds and Injuries
Hydrogen
Hydrogen Peroxide
Oxygen