Tapia’s syndrome after surgery for recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland
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Date
2017-08-26
Authors
Fashina, A
Gbotolorun, O
Desalu, I
Adamson, O
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Abstract
Tapia’s syndrome consists of concurrent injury to the recurrent laryngeal and hypoglossal
nerves. Trauma as a result of direct pressure from inflated cuff of the tracheal anesthetic
tube and/or overextension of the neck during surgery have been reported to be possible
causes of this syndrome. Here, we report a case of Tapia’s syndrome following surgical
excision of a very large recurrent parotid tumor. The aim of this report is to draw the
attention of head and neck surgeons and anesthetists to this often unexpected condition.
A 30‑year‑old female presented to the surgical outpatient clinic of the Lagos University
Teaching Hospital with a massive, multinodular, right facial swelling. There was no sensory
or motor nerve paresis on presentation. The patient underwent surgical excision of the
swelling under general anesthesia. Two hours after extubation, the patient had difficulty
moving the entire tongue and had difficulty with phonation. A working diagnosis of
Tapia’s syndrome was made based on clinical presentation and assessment. The patient
was reassured and placed on tablets neurobion three times daily and tablets prednisolone
20 mg daily. Fourteen days after surgery, hoarseness of voice had resolved completely
and full tongue control returned after 2 months. Tapia’s syndrome must be considered,
especially by all head and neck surgeons and anesthetists even though it is usually a rare
complication of surgery.
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Keywords
Hypoglossal nerve, , parotid gland, , pleomorphic adenoma, , recurrent laryngeal nerve, , Tapia’s syndrome
Citation
Fashina, A. A., Gbotolorun, O., Desalu, I., & Adamson, O. (2017). Tapia's syndrome after surgery for recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. Journal of Clinical Sciences, 14(3), 148.