Negative-pressure pulmonary edema after laparoscopic appendectomy.

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is acute-onset bilateral pulmonary interstitial edema. This condition can be caused by significant negative intrathoracic pressure generated by large inspiratory effort against acute upper airway obstruction. Postoperative NPPE is rare but potentially life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. This article describes a patient who developed postoperative NPPE following a laparoscopic appendectomy.