Pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema after tracheostomy closure. When less is more

Andrea Lazzarotto; Alessandro Tel; Luigi Vetrugno; Lorenzo Cereser; Salvatore Sembronio; Michele Di Cosola; Tiziana Bove; Massimo Robiony

doi:10.23750/abm.v92iS1.11551

Pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema after tracheostomy closure. When less is more

Authors

Andrea Lazzarotto Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Academic Hospital of Udine, Department of Medical Science, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy.
Alessandro Tel Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Academic Hospital of Udine, Department of Medical Science, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy.
Luigi Vetrugno Department of Medicine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Clinic, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
Lorenzo Cereser Institute of Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
Salvatore Sembronio Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Academic Hospital of Udine, Department of Medical Science, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
Michele Di Cosola 4. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Riuniti University Hospital of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
Tiziana Bove 2. Department of Medicine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Clinic, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
Massimo Robiony a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:114:"Chief of Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Academic Hospital of Udine Department of Medical Sciences University of Udine";}

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v92iS1.11551

Keywords:

Pneumothorax, Pneumomediastinum, Subcutaneous Emphysema, Tracheostomy

Abstract

Pneumomediastinum is a threatening complication that might occur after tight surgical closure of tracheostomy is performed. Physiopathology of this condition is based on several factors, including direct trauma to the tracheal wall caused by surgical maneuvers or insufficient closure of soft tissue layers which do not seal air leakage. In this paper we explore this phenomenon by reporting the case of one patient undergoing surgical closure of tracheostomy after two weeks, who later developed subcutaneous emphysema followed by pneumomediastinum. Physiopatology is analyzed and management strategies for this condition are suggested based on our experience.

References

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2. Lee BH, Sarah GE, Rosbe KW, Alemi S. Pneumothorax after tracheostomy closure with successful nonsurgical management. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia. 2016 Jun;31:115–8. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2016.01.033
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Published

19-01-2022

Issue

Vol. 92 No. S1 (2021): Vol. 92 Suppl. 1 (2021): Special issue: Case Reports

Section

Case Reports: General Surgery and Miscellanea

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How to Cite

Lazzarotto A, Tel A, Vetrugno L, et al. Pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema after tracheostomy closure. When less is more. Acta Biomed. 2022;92(S1):e2021368. doi:10.23750/abm.v92iS1.11551

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