Postoperative Acute Parotitis After Cesarean Delivery Under Spinal Anaesthesia

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Neuraxial anesthesia, including spinal and epidural techniques, is commonly employed during cesarean sections.
• Postoperative parotid gland swelling is an infrequent but documented complication associated with neuraxial anesthesia.
• The pathophysiology of this swelling is not fully understood but may involve autonomic nervous system dysregulation.

Observation:

• A parturient presented with acute, painless swelling of the parotid gland following an elective cesarean section performed under spinal anesthesia.
• The patient had a documented history of similar acute parotitis after receiving epidural anesthesia for a previous delivery.
• This recurrence suggests a potential predisposition or sensitivity to neuraxial anesthesia-induced parotid gland swelling.

Findings:

• The case illustrates a recurrent episode of acute parotitis in a patient undergoing cesarean section.
• The swelling occurred postoperatively after spinal anesthesia, mirroring a previous event after epidural anesthesia.
• This observation underscores the potential for neuraxial anesthesia to trigger parotid gland inflammation in susceptible individuals.

Implications:

• Awareness among anesthesiologists and obstetricians regarding this rare complication is crucial for prompt diagnosis and management.
• Further research into the underlying mechanisms of neuraxial anesthesia-related parotid gland swelling is warranted.
• Consideration of anesthetic technique or prophylactic measures may be beneficial for patients with a history of parotid gland swelling.