Dear Laparoscopic Surgeon: a Word of Caution with the Use of Glutaraldehyde!!!

Glutaraldehyde is used in the hospital setup for high-level disinfection of heat-sensitive instruments like endoscopes, bronchoscopes, and arthroscopes. Notwithstanding the occupational hazards, glutaraldehyde is still being used in the third-world countries to facilitate rapid turnover in between cases. The adverse effects of glutaraldehyde spill inside the peritoneal domain have been reported sparingly and highlighted only exceptionally. The authors have shared their experience with inadvertent intra-peritoneal glutaraldehyde-spill during uneventful laparoscopic surgery in a child. The blind spot during laparoscopy, preventive safeguards, and therapeutic outcomes have been highlighted.