
Management of extensive subcutaneous emphysema with a subcutaneous drain
Author(s) -
O'Reilly Peter,
Chen Hua Kiat,
Wiseman Rachel
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.9
Subject(s) - subcutaneous emphysema , medicine , pneumothorax , surgery , subcutaneous tissue , subcutaneous injection , dysphagia , subcutaneous abscess , anesthesia , abscess
We present a case of a gentleman in his 70s with extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Usually self‐limiting, subcutaneous emphysema around the thoracic inlet can rarely lead to airway and cardiovascular compromise by compression of structures in the neck. This patient presented with a large pneumothorax on a background of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ). This was initially treated with an intrapleural chest drain. However, after removal of this drain, the patient developed subcutaneous emphysema and later signs of tension pneumothorax. Further intrapleural chest drains were required. One of these chest drains produced a broncho‐subcutaneous fistula, which contributed to extensive subcutaneous emphysema. He developed symptoms of dysphonia and dysphagia. A subcutaneous drain was inserted for palliation of his symptoms and to improve his quality of life. His symptoms improved significantly after insertion of this subcutaneous drain. There are only a handful of case reports published on interventions to relieve subcutaneous emphysema.