Anaesthesia mumps - the unseen puffy problem: A case report

Yaal Elango1, Ramya Natarajan1

  • 1Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India.

Abstract

Insights

Acute postoperative sialadenitis, or anesthesia mumps, is a rare but benign condition causing parotid gland swelling after surgery. Awareness is key for anesthesiologists managing postoperative patients with this transient swelling.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Surgical Complications
  • Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

  • Acute postoperative sialadenitis, commonly known as anesthesia mumps, is a rare complication following surgical procedures.
  • This condition typically presents as transient, benign swelling of the parotid glands.
  • Anesthesiologists should be aware of this possibility in postoperative patients with parotid swelling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of anesthesia mumps in a patient undergoing major surgery.
  • To discuss the differential diagnosis of postoperative parotid swelling.
  • To review risk factors, prevention, and management of anesthesia mumps.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 59-year-old female patient.
  • Patient underwent staging laparotomy with combined general and epidural anesthesia.
  • Observation of postoperative bilateral parotid gland swelling that resolved spontaneously.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed acute onset bilateral parotid gland swelling post-surgery.
  • The swelling resolved completely without any complications.
  • This case illustrates a typical presentation of anesthesia mumps.

Conclusions:

  • Anesthesia mumps should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative parotid swelling.
  • Understanding potential risk factors can aid in prevention.
  • Appropriate management strategies are essential for patient care.