A Case of Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Proctocolitis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

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.