title: Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after tonsillectomy.
abstract: Many patients and their families regard tonsillectomy as a minor operation because it is performed so commonly. However, although tonsillectomy is indeed a relatively safe surgical procedure, in extremely rare cases, it can be complicated by subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. Although these complications resolve spontaneously in most cases, a few conclude in tension pneumothorax and other fatal complications. The mechanism by which subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum develop after tonsillectomy is poorly understood. We experienced a case in which subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and a deep defect in the tonsillar fossa were observed. The passage of air was shown by radiology and histopathology. Consequently, the case is reported here.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea.
authors.forename: Jin Pyeong
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jung Je
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Hung Soo
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Min Sung
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Song
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents