Management of Severe Subcutaneous Emphysema With a Subcutaneous Cannula: A Life-Saving Approach

Subcutaneous emphysema is a well-known complication of chest tube insertion that can become life-threatening. Severe cases often progress rapidly, necessitating prompt intervention to prevent complications such as airway obstruction and respiratory failure. We report the case of a 57-year-old man who developed extensive subcutaneous emphysema following chest tube insertion. Despite the reinsertion of the chest tube, the patient's symptoms worsened, prompting the use of a subcutaneous cannula. Two 14G subcutaneous cannulas were placed in the anterior chest wall, resulting in rapid decompression and significant symptom relief. The subcutaneous cannula technique is a simple, cost-effective, and minimally invasive method for managing severe subcutaneous emphysema. This approach offers a viable alternative to more invasive techniques, with the potential for rapid symptom resolution and reduced complications.