Cervical emphysema after tonsillectomy

Authors

  • Antonio Gómez-Torres Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España
  • Francisco Pérez Fernández Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España
  • Antonio Abrante Jiménez Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España
  • Antonio Medinilla Vallejo Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España
  • Francisco Esteban Ortega Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.143

Keywords:

cervical complications, emphysema, tonsillectomy

Abstract

Tonsillectomy, one of the most frequently surgery performed in otolaryngology, is a relatively safe surgical procedure. However, several complications have been described. We report a case of an adult patient with cervical emphysema after undergoing tonsillectomy, a rare complication. A deeper dissection creates a discontinuity that dissects the cervical planes and allows the air to reach the mediastinum and may cause a pneumothorax. Manoeuvres that increase the air pressure on the upper airway favour and increase the emphysema.

References

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Miman MC, Ozturan O, Dormus M, et al. Cervical subcutaneous emphysema: an unusual complication of adenotonsillectomy. Paediatr Anaesth 2001; 11:491-3.

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How to Cite

Gómez-Torres, A., Fernández, F. P., Jiménez, A. A., Vallejo, A. M., & Ortega, F. E. (2012). Cervical emphysema after tonsillectomy. Portuguese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 50(1), 93–95. https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.143

Issue

Section

Case Report