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Spontaneous cervical surgical emphysema following childbirth

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 November 2007

S Mylvaganam  and
C G L Hobbs
S Mylvaganam*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Heart of England NHS Trust, UK
C G L Hobbs
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Heart of England NHS Trust, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr S Mylvaganam, ENT Dept, Heart of England NHS Trust, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK. E-mail: seni@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

We report a case of post-partum surgical cervical emphysema, which is a rare but well recognised complication of labour. By reporting the first case in the ENT literature, we aim to raise awareness of this complication, particularly amongst trainees, to ensure that patients are managed most appropriately.

Case report:

A 36-year-old, primigravida woman developed neck swelling and odynophagia post-partum. Surgical cervical emphysema was palpated, with further examination excluding pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax. The patient was managed conservatively, with complete resolution of symptoms within a week.

Conclusions:

Surgical cervical emphysema, pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum are all well recognised post-partum complications. The vast majority of cases do not present with respiratory or cardiac compromise and can be appropriately managed conservatively, with expectation of resolution in a fortnight. There is no evidence that such patients are at increased risk during subsequent pregnancies.

Keywords

Post-Partum PeriodSubcutaneous EmphysemaNeck
Type
Online Only Clinical Record
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 121 , Issue 12 , December 2007 , e23
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2007

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