Subcutaneous emphysema induced by supplementary oxygen delivery nasopharyngeal cannula. Case report

The development of subcutaneous emphysema involving face, neck, and thorax has been well-documented in cases of odontologic procedures, head and/or neck surgery, and craniofacial trauma. Its development without known damage to the mucosa is rare. This report describes the case of a patient who developed emphysema without an obvious lesion.

This is a male patient, healthy, undergoing epidural blockade and local anesthesia associated with sedation for lipoaspiration of the abdomen and submentonian region. Intercurrences were not observed during the procedure until a nasopharyngeal cannula was placed for oxygen administration. We also describe an alternative approach for its resolution.

Although rare, subcutaneous emphysema can have serious repercussions. Manual lymphatic drainage can be an option for the treatment of this aesthetical complication.