Acute Post-operative Transient Sialadenitis "Anesthesia Mumps" After Caesarean Section Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Case Report

Abstract

Acute postoperative transient sialadenitis, also known as anesthesia mumps, is a rare condition that is transient, usually benign, and self-limiting in nature involving unilateral or bilateral parotid glands. The exact mechanism and etiology have not been fully explained, but the causative factors may include, pneumoparotitis, venous congestion, excess saliva secretion, surgical position, perioperative dehydration, and perioperative use of drugs such as atropine, succinylcholine, morphine, ephedrine, and propofol. We report a case of a 31-year-old pregnant lady who was admitted for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. She developed facial swelling involving the parotid area bilaterally five hours postoperatively. Dexamethasone was given intravenously with intravenous (IV) fluids and paracetamol. The swelling improved gradually and resolved completely after 48 hours. This is a case of anesthesia mumps, one of the rare cases that may develop after anesthesia. Awareness, early recognition and supportive management by rehydration and corticosteroids are essential for the patient's reassurance, smooth regression, and recovery, and to avoid extremely rare situations as this condition can progress into airway obstruction.