title: Cervicofacial emphysema and pneumomediastinum following pediatric adenotonsillectomy: a rare complication.
abstract: Cervicofacial emphysema and pneumomediastinum are rarely observed sequelae of surgical intervention in the upper aerodigestive tract. It is a potentially life-threatening condition but the majority of cases are self-limiting and benign. Symptoms include chest pain, neck pain, dyspnea and odynophagia. A case occurring after adenotonsillar surgery in a 7-year-old child is presented. This report highlights this unusual complication and its potential to delay the postoperative recovery following adenotonsillectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Roberts Road, 20 Jarrad Street, Subiaco, Cottesloe, WA 6011, Australia. shiner1@eircom.net
authors.forename: Neville Patrick
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Shine
authors.forename: Chady
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sader
authors.forename: Harvey
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Coates
mesh_terms: D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009333:Neck; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*