Unilateral parotid swelling after general anaesthesia. A case report.

An extensive swelling in the left parotid region, extending to the buccal and cervical areas, developed in a 30-year-old man immediately after a partial nephrectomy which was performed under general anaesthesia. Radiological examination immediately after the onset revealed no abnormality, but a large swelling was detected by computed tomography in the left parotid region. Serum amylase was significantly elevated. The clinical signs had almost disappeared approximately 2 weeks after the onset, following intravenous infusion of antibiotics and transfusion. This parotid swelling was considered to be acute postoperative parotitis induced during induction of anaesthesia by luxation of the temporomandibular joint or by the positioning of the patient during operation.