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

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Otolaryngology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Post-intubation laryngeal edema commonly presents early with stridor post-extubation.
• Subglottic stenosis is a potential complication following tracheal intubation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of delayed-onset post-intubation subglottic edema.
• To emphasize the importance of considering laryngeal edema in differential diagnosis of post-extubation stridor.

Main Methods:

• A case report detailing a patient with delayed inspiratory stridor post-extubation.
• Initial suspicion of subglottic stenosis, followed by medical management and close monitoring due to patient's refusal of surgery.

Main Results:

• The patient's inspiratory stridor resolved successfully with medical management.
• Diagnosis was revised to post-intubation subglottic edema, occurring approximately 48 hours after extubation.

Conclusions:

• Delayed-onset laryngeal edema should be considered in cases of post-extubation stridor, even without traditional risk factors.
• This case highlights the need for clinical judgment and patient autonomy in airway management decisions.