Glutaraldehyde-induced colitis: three case reports

Glutaraldehyde (2% solution) is an effective and widely used disinfecting solution for cold sterilization of endoscopic instruments. Direct contact of glutaraldehyde solution with colonic mucosa can cause self-limited colitis. As it rarely occurs as a complication of colonoscopy, glutaraldehyde-induced colitis is generally reported only as case reports in the literature. We report three cases of glutaraldehyde-induced colitis after colonoscopy. All lesions resolved with supportive treatment. We stress the need for thorough rinsing of the surface and channels of the endoscope with water to avoid the occurrence of this complication.