Cervicofacial Emphysema: A Rare and Potentially Fatal Complication of Tonsillectomy

• Published in: Turkish Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
• Main Authors: Vural Akın, Hasan Yasan, Çağlar Irmak, Erdinç Tanlak, Bekir Büyükçelik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Turkish Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Society 2025-03-01
• Subjects: tonsillectomy; postoperative complications; cervicofacial emphysema; pneumomediastinum; case report
• Online Access: https://www.turkarchotolaryngol.net/articles/cervicofacial-emphysema-a-rare-and-potentially-fatal-complication-of-tonsillectomy/doi/tao.2025.2024-12-11

Tonsillectomy is commonly performed in otorhinolaryngology clinics and is a relatively reliable procedure. Nevertheless, several complications, most notably postoperative bleeding, have been identified. Cervicofacial emphysema following tonsillectomy is exceedingly rare. This complication can lead to high-mortality outcomes, such as necrotizing fasciitis, mediastinitis, and pneumomediastinum. In this case report, we present the diagnosis and treatment of cervicofacial emphysema that developed on the third postoperative day in a 25-year-old female patient, along with a review of the relevant literature.