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. 2025 Jun 19;63(1):40-43.
doi: 10.4274/tao.2025.2024-12-11. Epub 2025 Jun 16.

Cervicofacial Emphysema: A Rare and Potentially Fatal Complication of Tonsillectomy

Vural Akın  1 , Hasan Yasan  1 , Çağlar Irmak  2 , Erdinç Tanlak  3 , Bekir Büyükçelik  4
Affiliations

Cervicofacial Emphysema: A Rare and Potentially Fatal Complication of Tonsillectomy

Vural Akın et al. Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol. .

Abstract

Tonsillectomy is commonly performed in otorhinolaryngology clinics and is a relatively reliable procedure. Nevertheless, several complications, most notably postoperative bleeding, have been identified. Cervicofacial emphysema following tonsillectomy is exceedingly rare. This complication can lead to high-mortality outcomes, such as necrotizing fasciitis, mediastinitis, and pneumomediastinum. In this case report, we present the diagnosis and treatment of cervicofacial emphysema that developed on the third postoperative day in a 25-year-old female patient, along with a review of the relevant literature.

Keywords: Tonsillectomy; case report; cervicofacial emphysema; pneumomediastinum; postoperative complications.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: There is no conflict of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 2
Figure 2
No findings supporting emphysema observed in the cervical radiograph
Figure 1a
Figure 1a
Appearances compatible with emphysema predominantly concentrated in the right submandibular area of the neck (white arrow). No defect observed in the tracheal air column
Figure 1b
Figure 1b
No defect observed in the laryngeal and tracheal air column
Figure 1c
Figure 1c
No significant pathology observed in the chest on posteroanterior chest radiograph
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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