We describe the case of a 25-year-old woman presented for elective lumbar decompression and microdiscectomy who, towards the end of her surgery, developed clinical signs of anaphylaxis. Skin testing later confirmed sensitisation to levobupivacaine and possibly MediShield, an anti-adhesion gel used following microdiscectomy. This case is the first confirmed case report of anaphylaxis in response to levobupivacaine. It also highlights the possibility that multiple agents may simultaneously trigger a life-threatening reaction. Anaesthetists should remain alert to the use of potentially allergenic agents employed by surgeons.
© 2011 The Authors. Anaesthesia © 2011 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.