Subcutaneous emphysema and mediastinitis: unusual complications of tonsillectomy.
B-ENT
; 1(4): 197-200, 2005.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16429753
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Subcutaneous emphysema and mediastinitis are rarely reported complications of tonsillectomy. CASE REPORT We describe two patients who developed subcutaneous emphysema, one of them with mediastinitis, within a few days after tonsillectomy. The diagnosis was based on the clinical presentation and confirmed by computed tomography (CT). For the patient without mediastinitis, the emphysema disappeared after a short period of reintubation and administration of antibiotics. For the patient with mediastinitis, surgical drainage of a cervico-mediastinal purulent collection was necessary to obtain healing.DISCUSSION:
The events leading to subcutaneous emphysema and mediastinitis have not been entirely clarified. They probably include direct introduction of air into the neck via either the tonsillar bed or a laryngeal or pharyngeal wound caused by intubation. The clinical presentation, treatment and possible pathophysiology of subcutaneous emphysema and medisastinits are discussed.CONCLUSION:
Emphysema and mediastinitis after tonsillectomy occur seldomly. If rapidly recognised and appropriately managed, mortality can be avoided.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Enfisema Subcutâneo
/
Tonsilectomia
/
Tonsilite
/
Mediastinite
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2005
Tipo de documento:
Article