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Cervicofacial Surgical Emphysema following Tonsillectomy
Samir Yelnoorkar1, Wolfgang Issing1
1ENT Department, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
Case Reports in Otolaryngology
|June 6, 2014
Summary
A rare case of cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema occurred in an 18-year-old male after a routine tonsillectomy. This complication developed 36 hours post-surgery without typical triggers like coughing or straining.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure.
- Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare but potential complication.
- Previous cases often involved specific postoperative events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema.
- To highlight a delayed presentation without typical causative factors.
- To emphasize the importance of considering this complication.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 18-year-old male patient.
- Surgical procedure: tonsillectomy.
- Diagnostic imaging: neck X-ray.
Main Results:
- Development of cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema 36 hours post-tonsillectomy.
- Absence of coughing, straining, or positive pressure ventilation.
- Delayed onset of the complication.
Conclusions:
- Cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema can occur after tonsillectomy without apparent precipitating factors.
- Delayed presentation is possible.
- Monitoring for potential further complications like pneumothorax is crucial.
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