Cervicofacial emphysema and pneumomediastinum following pediatric adenotonsillectomy: A rare complication

Cervicofacial emphysema and pneumomediastinum are rarely observed sequelae of surgical intervention in the upper aerodigestive tract. It is a potentially life-threatening condition but the majority of cases are self-limiting and benign. Symptoms incude chest pain, neck pain, dyspnea and odynophagia. A case occurring after adenotonsillar surgery in a 7-year-old child is presented. This report highlights this unusual complication and its potential to delay the postoperative recovery following adenotonsillectomy.