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Facial subcutaneous emphysema after tonsillectomy
Argyro Bizaki1, Janne Kääriäinen, Teemu Harju
1Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Tampere, Tampereen yliopistollinen sairaala, PL 2000, Tampere 33521, Finland. arbizaki@gmail.com.
Head & Face Medicine
|April 15, 2014
Summary
Facial subcutaneous emphysema is a rare complication following tonsillectomy. This condition, though uncommon, can occur and typically resolves without further issues.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Tonsillectomy is a frequent surgical procedure with a generally favorable safety profile.
- Potential complications, though rare, can arise post-tonsillectomy.
- This case highlights an unusual post-operative event.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing elective tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis developed facial subcutaneous emphysema.
- The emphysema manifested after the surgical procedure.
- The condition resolved spontaneously within a few days.
Findings:
- Facial subcutaneous emphysema is an infrequent complication of tonsillectomy.
- Careful dissection along the tonsillar capsule is crucial during tonsillectomy.
- Deeper mucosal tears extending to the musculature may permit air to enter deeper tissue planes.
Implications:
- Awareness of this rare complication is important for clinicians performing tonsillectomies.
- Understanding the potential pathways for air entry can inform surgical technique.
- Prompt recognition and observation are key for managing this benign condition.
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