Rare and fatal complications of tonsillectomy: sudden pneumothorax and
extensive subcutaneous emphysema |
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Authors: | Yanquan Liu Zhimin Yan Huidong Guo Qinglin Xu Zuotao Li Jie Lin |
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Affiliation: | 1.Department of Intensive Medicine of The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi Provincial Key Clinical Specialized Department of Intensive Medicine, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China; 2.Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China |
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Abstract: | Tonsillectomy is a common, minimally invasive, and relatively safe surgical operation. Although the surgical technology for such minor operations is mature and widely available in most countries worldwide, postoperative adverse complications occur and may be hazardous and fatal. Our article presents the details of a 4-year-old boy who suddenly developed pneumothorax and systemic extensive subcutaneous emphysema after tonsillectomy. He received professional treatment from a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and timely rescue in our hospital; however, he died tragically. To this end, there is an urgent need to raise clinicians’ awareness of the potentially fatal and rare complications that can occur after tonsillectomy. |
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Keywords: | Tonsillectomy pneumothorax subcutaneous emphysema complication prognosis multidisciplinary team fatality |
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