Subcutaneous emphysema after adenotonsillectomy].

Thomas Skov Randrup, Malene Sine Rokkjær

Øre-, Næse-, Hals-afdeling Ø, Regionshospitalet Holstebro, Lægårdvej 12, 7500 Holstebro, Denmark. dr.skov.madsen@gmail.com

Ugeskrift for laeger 2012 Aug 20

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Adenotonsillectomy is a commonly performed procedure in otorhinolaryngology departments. A rare complication is cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema, that often resolves spontaneously, but may progress to obstruct upper airways or spread to the thorax causing pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax and impair cardiorespiratory function. A case of cervicofacial emphysema in a young woman undergoing routine adenotonsillectomy is presented, and possible mechanisms and treatment options are discussed.