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Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after tonsillectomy
Jin Pyeong Kim1, Jung Je Park, Hung Soo Kang
1Department of Otolaryngology, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea.
Abstract:
Many patients and their families regard tonsillectomy as a minor operation because it is performed so commonly. However, although tonsillectomy is indeed a relatively safe surgical procedure, in extremely rare cases, it can be complicated by subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. Although these complications resolve spontaneously in most cases, a few conclude in tension pneumothorax and other fatal complications. The mechanism by which subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum develop after tonsillectomy is poorly understood. We experienced a case in which subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and a deep defect in the tonsillar fossa were observed. The passage of air was shown by radiology and histopathology. Consequently, the case is reported here.
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