A study of subcutaneous emphysema, factors contributing to its development, resolution and management with different...

Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) is defined as an escape of air in subcutaneous tissue. It is one of the most common complications after intercostal chest tube drainage. SE is usually benign, requiring no specific treatment, but extensive SE can be uncomfortable and alarming for the patient. It can rarely lead to airway compromise, respiratory failure, and death. Factors leading to its development, following chest tube insertion and methods of management, have not been extensively studied and published. This was an analytical study done over 2 years on indoor patients who developed SE. These cases were managed using four different modalities and were analyzed for various factors contributing to the development, severity, and resolution of SE. The results of this study highlight that the cases of hydropneumothorax and secondary pneumothorax were significantly more predisposed to the development of severe SE (following intercostal chest tube insertion) and large air leaks as compared to others. A larger air leak develops higher grades of SE. The average time for resolution of SE was similar among the different modalities of management compared in the study.