Subcutaneous Emphysema Complicating Tonsillectomy: A Formidable Complication

Purpose: To report a case of subcutaneous facial and cervico-thoracic emphysema with pneumo mediastinum and pneumothorax, which is a fairly rare but very serious complication of a tonsillectomy because it can engage the patient’s vital prognosis in the short term. To discuss its etiology and management. Method: This is a 7-year-old patient who received an adeno-tonsillectomy at Nianankoro FOMBA Hospital for upper airway obstruction on August 04, 2021. Result: A 7-year-old child had diffused subcutaneous emphysema in the immediate postoperative period associated with pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax. The diagnosis was clinical. The etiology of emphysema was given by the CT scan, which objectified a tracheal breach. The management was done in resuscitation in a multidisciplinary team and required a right chest drainage. Conclusion: Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare complication of this procedure. Its diagnosis requires searching for its etiology, and the management depends on the clinical picture.