[Massive swelling of the tongue in two patients following the repair of cleft palate]

Abstract

Massive swelling of the tongue occurred following the repair of cleft palate in a one-year-old girl and a one-year-old boy. The duration of operation was 285 min and 225 min respectively. Massive swelling of the tongue became prominent within 30 min after the operation in both infants. The trachea was intubated immediately. Swelling of the tongue recovered slowly, and the trachea was extubated 6 and 7 days after the operation, respectively. The compression of the tongue by the retractor for a long time during the operation probably caused the reperfusion edema of the tongue. Early recognition of the swelling and prompt maintenance of the airway are essential to prevent the serious outcomes resulting from the swelling of the tongue.