Fusobacterium pneumonia and death following uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty.

A case with a fatal outcome caused by infection with Fuso-bacterium species was seen in a patient recently operated on for heavy snoring with uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty (UPPP). The mechanism of infection is discussed. It is concluded that a febrile episode seen in patients less than 2 weeks postoperatively should be considered a serious symptom and be treated intensively after thorough examination.