Negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is a well-described complication of upper-airway obstruction, most commonly occurring amongst adults as a consequence of postanesthetic laryngospasm. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, patients who sustain NPPE typically have a complete recovery within 24 hours of the condition's first appearance. We herein describe the case of a patient who appeared to feature a delayed resolution of highly suspected NPPE possibly associated with perioperative crystalloid solution loading as a component of cervical spine surgery for a herniated intervertebral disc, and who was extubated when not fully awake post-surgery. Subsequent to reintubation and diuretic therapy, the patient recovered uneventfully.