[Severe laryngeal edema immediately after extubation in a 93 year old female].

ABSTRACT

A 93-year-old female, who had post-operative respiratory insufficiency, was treated with artificial ventilation for 8 days. Immediately after extubation, dyspnea, cyanosis and unconsciousness occurred. Severe laryngeal edema was found by bronchofiberscopy and reintubation seemed impossible. She underwent emergency tracheotomy and barely survived the critical state. It should be kept in mind that severe laryngeal edema might develop immediately after long term intubation in supergeriatric patients associated with hyponutrition.