NEGATIVE-PRESSURE PULMONARY EDEMA FOLLOWING UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION

Background The laryngeal tube is a supraglottic airway device used to secure airway during general anesthesia. Negative-pressure pulmonary edema is a complication due to obstruction of upper airway when the patient attempts to breath against the closed glottis. The prevalence is very low (up to 0.1 %) but it is a potentially life-threatening complication if it is not recognized and treated promptly. Methods We present a case of 32-year old man undergoing elective re-osteosynthesis of right wrist. The procedure was without complications performed under the general anesthesia. The laryngeal tube was inserted for airway maintenance. While emerging from general anesthesia patient developed respiratory failure and pulmonary edema which was promptly recognized and treated. The patient was hospitalized in the intensive therapy unit for 24 hours and at discharge he was fully recovered without further sequelae. Conclusions It is important to verify the right position of laryngeal tube and make sure the patient is ventilated well at all times. Complication due to position of such artificial airway should be promptly recognized and treated.