Parapharyngeal Edema as a rare complication in TMJ Arthroscopy – A case report

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy is considered a safe, minimally invasive surgical procedure in the treatment of TMJ derangements. With its continued use, a range of complications have been documented in the literature. Most of them take place during or immediately after the surgical procedure. This case report presents a rare case of parapharyngeal edema following bilateral TMJ arthroscopy in a 34 year-old woman. Swelling required protective intubation up to 1 hour postoperatively, but resolved completely after 48 hours without further intervention. This case report highlights the need for careful surgical planning, adequate surgical technique, and promptness in identifying and solving a complication immediately upon its manifestation, such as fluid extravasation, which is rare, but can risk airway permeability.