title: Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after tonsillectomy.
abstract: Cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema is a rare complication of tonsillectomy that often resolves spontaneously but may progress to obstruct upper airways or spread to the thorax causing pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax. The mechanisms by which subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum may develop after tonsillectomy are poorly understood. A case of a 21-year-old female undergoing routine adenotonsillectomy, who developed cervicofacial emphysema and pneumomediastinum, is presented. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms and treatment options are discussed.
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, Tzanion General Hospital, Afentouli 1 & Zanni, 18536 Piraeus, Greece.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Koukoutsis
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, Tzanion General Hospital, Afentouli 1 & Zanni, 18536 Piraeus, Greece.
authors.forename: Dimitrios G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Balatsouras
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, Tzanion General Hospital, Afentouli 1 & Zanni, 18536 Piraeus, Greece.
authors.forename: Panayotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ganelis
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, Tzanion General Hospital, Afentouli 1 & Zanni, 18536 Piraeus, Greece.
authors.forename: Alexandros
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fassolis
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, Tzanion General Hospital, Afentouli 1 & Zanni, 18536 Piraeus, Greece.
authors.forename: Antonis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moukos
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupoli, Greece.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Katotomichelakis
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, Tzanion General Hospital, Afentouli 1 & Zanni, 18536 Piraeus, Greece.
authors.forename: Antonis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaberos