Case of acute postoperative sialoadenitis with airway obstruction after general anesthesia

Abstract

Acute sialoadenitis (К11.2 МКБ 10) is one of the early post-operative complications. Swelling and infiltration of the salivary glands occur within a few minutes to 24 hours after surgery. This post-operative sialadenitis resolves spontaneously within 1–5 days, but rarely it can lead to serious complications. We present the clinical case of a 62-year-old female who underwent a spinal surgery in the prone position under general anesthesia. Three hours after the operation, we noted swelling of the neck, signs of acute respiratory failure, which required observation in intensive care unit and re-intubation of the trachea. Within 72 hours, swelling and infiltration of the salivary glands decreases. The patient was extubated and transferred to the neurosurgical department. Thus, acute post-operative sialoadenitis can cause the upper airway obstruction.