Korean J Anesthesiol.  2000 Aug;39(2):296-299. 10.4097/kjae.2000.39.2.296.

Transient Swelling of both Parotid Glands Following General Anesthesia

• Yang WC
• Kang SJ
• Choi WS
• Shin IW
• Kim HB
• Lee HK
• Chung YK

• KMID: 2031578
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2000.39.2.296

Abstract

Parotid gland swelling in association with general anesthesia is an unusual complication. Benign postoperative parotid swelling should be recognized as a noninfectious, self-limiting process occurring immediately after surgery. This enlargement is non-tender, rubbery in consistency, without crepitus, and may be accompanied by variable salivation. The mechanism of the occurrence remains unknown, but two factors most frequently associated with this phenomenon appear to be physical stimulation or manipulation of the airway or coughing and/or straining. We report bilateral parotid gland swelling in a middle-aged man after surgery under general anesthesia.

Keyword

Anesthesia: general; Complication: postoperative, parotid swelling

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, General*
Cough
Parotid Gland*
Physical Stimulation
Salivation