The use of subcutaneous drains to manage subcutaneous emphysema

Subcutaneous emphysema is a frequent complication of thoracic and cardiac surgical procedures, and emergency tracheostomy is often advocated as the treatment for this complication. However, we report the case of a patient in whom massive subcutaneous emphysema, which had developed after emergent replacement of the aortic root, was relieved using subcutaneous drains and suction, instead of a tracheostomy. We found that the subcutaneous drains provided effective decompression of the head and neck areas, and markedly reduced airway pressure and subcutaneous air. We recommend subcutaneous drains for safe, effective, and inexpensive management of massive subcutaneous emphysema.