Post-laryngospasm pulmonary oedema in oral & maxillofacial surgery.

Laryngospasm in oral & maxillofacial surgery may occur due to irritants in the form of surgical debris washed towards the oropharynx. In the two cases reported, pulmonary oedema ensued after the laryngospasm was relieved. The mechanism and causative factors of this phenomena is explained and preventive measures discussed. As the surgical area of the Oral & Maxillofacial (OMF) surgeons are closely related to that of the anaesthetist, it is imperative that OMF surgeons understand and recognize this condition.