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Cervicofacial emphysema following Harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy: case report and comprehensive review of the literature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 December 2016

R A Crosbie  and
T Kunanandam
R A Crosbie*
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
T Kunanandam
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Robin A Crosbie, Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, Scotland, UK Fax: 0141 201 0000 E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide. There are a handful of common complications, with bleeding being the most feared; however, rarer complications can present to a wide range of medical professionals.

Methods:

A 12-year-old girl presented with cervicofacial emphysema following tonsillectomy. This paper discusses the case and the management adopted, and presents the findings of a comprehensive literature review.

Results:

The patient made a full recovery, and was discharged after 3 days following conservative management with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and supplemental low-flow oxygen.

Conclusion:

This paper presents the first reported case of cervicofacial emphysema following Harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy. Although this is an exceptionally rare complication, it is potentially serious and warrants further description to improve awareness.

Keywords

TonsillectomyComplicationsEmphysema
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 131 , Issue 2 , February 2017 , pp. 177 - 180
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2016 

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