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(Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine)
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(Department of Plastic Surgery, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center)
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(Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine)
(서울대학교 의과대학 성형외과학교실)
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(서울대학교병원운영 서울특별시 보라매병원 성형외과)
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(서울대학교 의과대학 성형외과학교실)
Povidone-iodine (PVP-I, Betadine) has many advantages as a disinfectant solution for preoperative preparations, especially for oral surgery. It is widely used because of its low toxicity and excellent bactericidal effect. The authors report a case of pneumonia secondary due to the aspiration of PVP-I, which was used as an oral disinfectant. We present a case of aspiration pneumonia that resulted from the careless use of PVP-I during preoperative preparation. The patient was a 10-month-old female scheduled for elective surgery to correct a complete cleft of secondary palate. During the preparation of the oral cavity for that cleft palate patient, PVP-I was incidentally aspirated to the airway. The lung resistance was noted with positive pressure and pneumonic infiltration on chest radiograph was seen. The operation was postponed and the patient underwent respiratory care. Three months later, elective palatoplasty under general anesthesia was performed without complication. Based on the experiences of this case, the authors advise that throat-packing should be placed before oral preparation to prevent serious pulmonary complications.