Exuberant subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after emergency tracheostomy – case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.3151Keywords:
Tracheostomy, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinumAbstract
Tracheotomy is a useful procedure for airway management but may lead to rare complications such as subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, especially when performed in an emergency setting.
This case involves a 44-year-old male patient with an extensive laryngeal lesion who underwent emergency tracheostomy. In the immediate postoperative period, he developed extensive subcutaneous emphysema with pneumomediastinum but remained hemodynamically stable. Loosening the sutures and providing oxygen therapy were sufficient for resolution.
Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after tracheostomy are rare and generally self-limiting complications. Early recognition and conservative management can prevent the need for invasive interventions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hugo Barcelos Figueiredo, Francisca Bartolomeu, Marta Lisboa Lopes, Nuno Dias Silva, Maria do Carmo Miguéis, Jorge Miguéis
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