Management of Subcutaneous Emphysema with “Gills”: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background

Subcutaneous emphysema is often a symptom of a serious pathologic condition but rarely requires direct treatment. Subcutaneous emphysema itself occasionally may interfere with effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation and require direct intervention.

Objective

The aim of this article is to present a case of subcutaneous emphysema during cardiac arrest and to describe a therapeutic technique that we call the “gills” procedure, as well as the background and rationale for this and other similar techniques.

Case Report

A 56-year-old man sustained cardiac arrest in the setting of a perforated duodenal ulcer with massive subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum that interfered with effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A “gills” procedure consisting of bilateral skin incisions over the clavicles was performed, with the return of spontaneous circulation.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum can cause tension physiology, impairing normal cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Only with release of this tension can normal cardiopulmonary function return. The gills procedure is one of several possible therapeutic options.