Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

Rapidly Progressive Subcutaneous Emphysema and Sequential Bilateral Pneumothoraces Following Pediatric

Dedric Bryant1, Ajay Pius2, Dominik Choromanski3

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, McLaren Greater Lansing, Lansing, USA.

Cureus
|May 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric tracheocutaneous fistula closure can lead to air-leak complications like subcutaneous emphysema. Early recognition by anesthesia providers is crucial to prevent rapid progression to pneumothorax and respiratory compromise.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Anesthesiology
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) closure is a common procedure in children post-tracheostomy.
  • While generally safe, postoperative air-leak complications such as subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax can occur.

Keywords:
airway surgerydirect laryngoscopy and bronchoscopypediatric anesthesiapneumomediastinumpneumothoraxpostoperative complicationssubcutaneous emphysematracheocutaneous fistula

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