Spontaneous cervical surgical emphysema following childbirth.
OBJECTIVE
We report a case of post-partum surgical cervical emphysema, which is a rare but well recognised complication of labour. By reporting the first case in the ENT literature, we aim to raise awareness of this complication, particularly amongst trainees, to ensure that patients are managed most appropriately.


METHODS
A 36-year-old, primigravida woman developed neck swelling and odynophagia post-partum. Surgical cervical emphysema was palpated, with further examination excluding pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax. The patient was managed conservatively, with complete resolution of symptoms within a week.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical cervical emphysema, pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum are all well recognised post-partum complications. The vast majority of cases do not present with respiratory or cardiac compromise and can be appropriately managed conservatively, with expectation of resolution in a fortnight. There is no evidence that such patients are at increased risk during subsequent pregnancies.
ENT Department, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Heart of England NHS Trust, UK. seni@doctors.org.uk
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Mylvaganam
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Hobbs
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*