Abstract
A 65-yr-old patient suffered swelling of the bilateral parotid gland after cholecystectomy following general anesthesia. One day after operation the bilateral parotid glands swelled and the serum amylase, salivary isozyme predominant, increased extremely. These swelling were not associated with inflammatory symptom and diminished spontaneously over the next six days. The treatment included topical cooling of parotid glands and administration of antibiotics and intravenous infusion according to usual postoperative management. Congestion of the venous drainage of the glands because of straining and coughing is presented as a possible cause. Furthermore an overactive pharyngeal reflex, stimulated by endotracheal intubation, probably caused vasodilatation and hyperemia of the glands. Although postoperative parotid swelling are not a common complication, the anesthesiologist should be aware that it could be caused by usual anesthesia management.
