Bilateral parotitis: a rare postoperative complication of general anaesthesia

Postsurgical parotitis is a rare postoperative complication characterised by acute, transient unilateral or bilateral swelling of the salivary glands of unclear origin. This case report aims to analyse the management and causes of postsurgical parotitis. A female patient in her mid-40s was admitted for an elective laparotomy and myomectomy due to a symptomatic uterine myoma measuring 3×4cm, associated with recurrent metrorrhagia. Her medical history included bulimia nervosa and being moderately underweight. Anaesthetic drugs administered during the induction included fentanyl, propofol and atracurium, and for maintenance included sevoflurane and fentanyl. Intravenous atropine was administered intraoperatively in response to severe bradycardia triggered by uterine stimulation. Following extubation, the patient developed bilateral swelling of the parotid glands. The patient remained stable and did not require respiratory support. Symptomatic management was provided, and the swelling had resolved by the time of the follow-up visit, within 1week after surgery.