Dextran is a highly viscous polysaccharide liquid used for uterine distention during hysteroscopic surgery. Although generally safe, this agent has been recognized to cause non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, intravascular coagulopathy, renal insufficiency, and anaphylactic reaction. We report the case of pulmonary edema following hysteroscopic surgery with dextran 40 and discuss the major side effects and the possible etiologies of the reported complication. (Korean J Anesthesiol 1998; 35: 168∼171)