Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
07:27
Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
592
Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after tonsillectomy
George Koukoutsis1, Dimitrios G Balatsouras1, Panayotis Ganelis1
1ENT Department, Tzanion General Hospital, Afentouli 1 & Zanni, 18536 Piraeus, Greece.
Case Reports in Otolaryngology
|January 1, 2014
Summary
Cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum are rare after tonsillectomy. This case highlights potential causes and treatments for these serious airway complications following adenotonsillectomy.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema is a rare but potentially serious complication following tonsillectomy.
- It can lead to upper airway obstruction or thoracic spread, including pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax.
- The exact mechanisms of its development post-tonsillectomy remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of cervicofacial emphysema and pneumomediastinum after adenotonsillectomy.
- To discuss the potential pathogenetic mechanisms involved.
- To review available treatment options for this rare complication.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 21-year-old female.
- Review of literature on cervicofacial emphysema and pneumomediastinum post-tonsillectomy.
Main Results:
- The patient developed cervicofacial emphysema and pneumomediastinum after routine adenotonsillectomy.
- Spontaneous resolution is possible, but complications require careful management.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms is crucial for managing this rare complication.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent severe outcomes like airway compromise or thoracic spread.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pneumothorax-II
1.7K
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
1.7K
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
2.5K
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
2.5K
01:26Pneumothorax-I
2.2K
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
2.2K
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
48
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
48
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
55
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance...
55
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
3.9K
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
3.9K