A case of subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema three days after removal of a tracheostomy tube for oral cancer surgery

Abstract

Subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema are complications associated with oral and maxillofacial surgery. A 52-year-old male underwent a surgical operation under general anesthesia that included surgical tracheostomy, dissection of the submental and bilateral submandibular region, and tumor resection for an oral floor carcinoma. The tracheal tube was removed four days after surgery. Six days after surgery the patient developed a massive subcutaneous emphysema extending from his cheeks and neck to his chest wall due to a severe cough. A neck and chest computed tomography examination revealed mediastinal emphysema. We administered conservative treatment with antibiotics. No further complications were observed 12 days after surgery. As the wound healing was uneventful, the patient was discharged after three weeks. Shika Igaku (J Osaka Odontol Soc) 2021; Mar; 84(1):12-16.