Inhalation of alcohol vapor driven by oxygen is a useful therapeutic method for postoperative alcohol withdrawal syndrome in a patient with esophageal cancer: a case report

Alcohol Alcohol. 2011 Jul-Aug;46(4):424-6. doi: 10.1093/alcalc/agr037. Epub 2011 Apr 21.

Abstract

A 65-year-old man suffering from esophageal cancer presented with postoperative alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Diazepam was used intravenously, but his condition did not improve. With inhalation of alcohol vapor driven by oxygen, the abnormal symptoms subsided and vital signs began to return to normal rapidly. This method is also beneficial for expectoration and redressing hypoxemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Aged
  • Alcoholism / complications
  • Alcoholism / drug therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / administration & dosage*
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / adverse effects
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / therapeutic use*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / complications
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Ethanol / administration & dosage*
  • Ethanol / adverse effects
  • Ethanol / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oxygen / therapeutic use
  • Postoperative Period
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / complications
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Ethanol
  • Oxygen