Negative-Pressure Pulmonary Edema following maxillofacial surgery: recognize to prevent further complications

Abstract

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is a rare respiratory complication due to acute upper airway obstruction occurring shortly after extubation. We report a case of NPPE in young adult patient who underwent an eventful general anesthesia. The patient presented laryngospasm followed by acute respiratory distress with pink frothy sputum following. The NPPE was initially misdiagnosed and a preventable tracheostomy was performed. NPPE was managed with mechanical ventilation and diuretics and the patient had full recovery. Every anesthesiologist should be aware of the diagnosis of NPPE. Early recognition and management are essential to prevent the morbidity associated with NPPE in young healthy patients.