A case of anesthesia mumps that required postoperative re-intubation

We encountered a 59-year-old man who first underwent left internal carotid endarterectomy for left internal carotid artery stenosis and then presented with postoperative swelling of the bilateral salivary glands. He then developed upper airway obstruction that required emergency tracheal intubation. The most likely cause was thought to be anesthesia mumps, which involves a complex interaction of multiple factors including pneumoparotitis, venous congestion, and excess saliva secretion. Many cases of salivary gland swelling recover after follow-up observation alone if there are no inflammatory findings; however, severe complications may sometimes occur. If upper airway obstruction develops as in the present case, then emergency airway management must also be considered and conscientious observation is necessary.