severe respiratory event initially thought to be inadvertent endobronchial intubation: possible complications from using of a topical metered-dose of 8% lidocaine pump spray

conclusions in japan, 8% lidocaine pump spray contains menthol and ethanol as additives. these additives, particularly menthol, might have led to excessive mucus production, although we did not analyze the mucus secretion. introduction pulmonary collapse after intubation is common, and it is caused by a variety of factors. case presentation a 21-year-old man presented at our operation room to undergo an appendectomy. except for a history of cigarette smoking, his history was negative. anesthesia was induced with 100% oxygen and sevoflurane, remifentanil infusion, and propofol. neuromuscular block was obtained with rocuronium. the tip and cuff of a tracheal tube were lubricated with a topical metered-dose of 8% lidocaine pump spray. after intubation, spo2 suddenly decreased. the chest x-ray revealed right upper lobe atelectasis. fiber optic bronchoscopy showed that a large amount of yellow sticky mucus had been secreted into the right main bronchus.