[Subcutanious emphysema and pneunomediastinum - the rare complication of tonsillectomy].

Abstract

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical interventions in the practice of ENT hospitals. As a rule, complications of tonsillectomy are early and late postoperative bleeding. However, in extremely rare cases tonsillectomy can be complicated by subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. The mechanism by which these complications develop are poorly understood. The article describes the case of a rare complication of tonsillectomy - the intraoperative development of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. Such complications are most likely caused by deep trauma of the pharyngobasilar fascia of the tonsillar fossa, which causes the penetration of the air into the parapharyngeal space and its subsequent spread to the mediastinum.