Delayed Onset of Post-Intubation Laryngeal Oedema: Navigating Patient Autonomy and Successful Medical Management

Post-intubation laryngeal oedema typically manifests early with stridor following extubation. We present a case of a patient who underwent elective surgery for breast malignancy and developed inspiratory stridor approximately 48 h post-extubation. Initial suspicion pointed towards subglottic stenosis; however, the patient opted out of the proposed surgical intervention to address her airway concerns. Thus, medical management was initiated alongside close monitoring, resulting in a successful resolution. This prompted a revised diagnosis of post-intubation subglottic oedema. This case underscores the importance of considering delayed-onset laryngeal oedema as a differential diagnosis for post-extubation stridor, even in the absence of traditional risk factors. It also explores the delicate balance between clinical judgment and respecting patient autonomy.