Case report details facial swelling and airway compromise in a patient after spinal anesthesia for a cesarean delivery, suggesting the need for early recognition and management.
The authors present a 44-year-old woman who developed bilateral parotid swelling following spinal anesthesia for an emergency cesarean section. Shortly after surgery, the patient developed acute facial swelling associated with pain, trismus, and transient respiratory distress. Ultrasonographic evaluation was consistent with acute parotitis. Conservative management, including intravenous hydration, corticosteroids, analgesics, and supportive care, resulted in complete clinical recovery within 3 days. Although perioperative parotid swelling is an uncommon complication after spinal anesthesia, this case highlights its potential occurrence in obstetric patients and the possibility of transient airway compromise. Early recognition and prompt supportive management are essential to prevent complications and ensure favorable outcomes.
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Daku et al. (2026) studied this question.
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