title: Massive macroglossia developing fast and immediately after endotracheal extubation.
abstract: We report an unusual case of massive macroglossia that developed very rapidly after neurosurgery in the park bench position with neck flexion. A few minutes after endotracheal extubation, massive macroglossia was noticed with marked protrusion of the tongue from the oral cavity. The patient's hospital stay was prolonged due to difficulty in speaking and eating. Macroglossia is a rare complication; however, it may cause life-threatening airway obstruction. It is important to be prepared for managing post-operative macroglossia and keep in mind that it may develop rapidly, especially after prolonged surgery performed with sustained neck flexion. The patient should be informed of the risk of macroglossia and the associated problems prior to the operation.
authors: Department of Anesthesiology, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Ichihara, Japan. s-toyama@suite.plala.or.jp
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Toyama
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Hoya
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Matsuoka
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Numai
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Shimoyama
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D060666:Airway Extubation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D058109:Airway Management / Q000379:methods; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D008260:Macroglossia / Q000209:etiology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery