title: Tracheal necrosis and surgical emphysema: a rare complication of thyroidectomy.
abstract: We describe the first reported case of tracheal necrosis following a thyroidectomy. This complication resulted in massive subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, which required emergency exploration of the neck to decompress the trapped air. We also discuss the suggested etiology and management of this rare condition.
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck-Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong. edwardtowh@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Edward W H
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: To
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Eric C H
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D012086:Reoperation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome