Cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema, a rare complication of tonsillectomy

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Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide, and because of that, it is regarded by surgeons and patients as a relatively safe procedure. One of the very rare complications post tonsillectomy is subcutaneous emphysema, as in our case here. Although most reported cases are resolved spontaneously, it may lead to potentially fatal complications, like tension pneumothorax. The mechanism for the development of subcutaneous emphysema is not well understood. We are reporting a rare case of healthy man, developed subcutaneous emphysema 4days after tonsillectomy evident by clinical and radiological examination.