Massive subcutaneous emphysema following routine endotracheal intubation.
Upper aerodigestive tract injury after endotracheal intubation is a rare but serious complication. The case of a 57-year-old female, who developed extensive neck and pneumomediastinum following a knee arthroscopy under general anaesthesia, is presented. Possible mechanisms of injury and management options are discussed.
Watters
K F
KF
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Dublin 9, Ireland. karwatters@hotmail.com
Lacy
P D
PD
Walsh
R McConn
RM
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000473:pathology; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D013909:Thorax / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed