Abstract

Uvular necrosis is a rare complication after endotracheal intubation and upper endoscopy. A 49-year-old woman underwent surgery for uterine prolapse, rectocele, and stress urinary incontinence under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. The patient reported sore throat, dysphagia, and a foreign-body sensation the day after surgery. Oropharynx examination showed an inflamed uvula with a necrotic tip. She received conservative treatment and had complete symptom resolution within 2 weeks. Injury is thought to result from the uvula being compressed against the hard palate or posterior pharynx. In this instance, patient positioning may have had a role. Review of the medical literature shows that onset of sore throat, a foreign-body sensation, or odynophagia occurs within 24 hours postprocedure. Conservative management resulted in good clinical outcome in reported cases.

Keywords: Gynecologic surgical procedures, necrosis, oropharynx, trendelenburg position, uvula