Management of unpredicted postoperative laryngospasm induced pulmonary oedema—A case report

Pulmonary oedema following general anaesthesia or extubation is an uncommon and unpredictable clinical entity. This unusual disease is actually attributed to pulmonary and haemodynamic changes engendered by high negative intra-thoracic pressures during the state of obstructed respiration. We report a case of postoperative pulmonary oedema in a previously healthy 35-year-old female with post-extubation laryngospasm. The patient responded rapidly to conservative management including removal of secretions, re-intubation, oxygen therapy with positive pressure ventilation and administration of diuretics with short term antibiotics. This report emphasizes the importance of rapid identification and proper management of this serious condition.