Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2015 Apr;58(4):267-270. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2015.58.4.267.

Two Cases of Cervical Emphysema after Tonsillectomy

• Lim HG
• Jung GH
• Lim JY
• Choi JS

• KMID: 2277850
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2015.58.4.267

Abstract

Although tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure in the otolaryngological department, subcutaneous emphysema after tonsillectomy is a rare complication. While most of the cases are benign and self-limiting, severe sequelae, such as tracheal compression, pneumopericardium, are possible. We present two patients with cervical emphysema after tonsillectomy, and focus on explaining the possible pathologic mechanisms, diagnosis, appropriate management, and nature course of cervical emphysema after tonsillectomy.

Keyword

Cervical emphysema; Complication; Pneumomediastinum; Tonsillectomy

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Emphysema*
Humans
Mediastinal Emphysema
Pneumopericardium
Subcutaneous Emphysema
Tonsillectomy*