Abstract
Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) is a common but usually self‐limiting complication of cardiothoracic procedures. Rarely, it can be life threatening and is characterized by extensive cutaneous tension and airway compromise requiring immediate intervention. There is a paucity of data on the most efficacious treatment methods for extensive SE. We report an 80‐year‐old gentleman who developed massive SE necessitating intubation for airway protection following a right chest tube insertion for spontaneous secondary pneumothorax. His SE persisted despite adequate thoracic drainage via a new chest tube. It was then decided to insert two negative pressure wound therapy dressings (NPWTD) or vacuum dressings in the patient's subcutaneous tissue layer via incisions made at anterior chest wall. The dressings were removed after four days in view of significant improvements. NPWTD appears to be an effective, well‐tolerated, safe, and inexpensive approach that hastens the resolution of SE without the need for invasive thoracic surgeries.
Highlights
Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) is a common but usually selflimiting complication of cardiothoracic procedures including thoracostomy
There is a paucity of data on the most efficacious treatment methods for extensive SE, various techniques such as negative pressure suction dressings, creation of “blowholes,” and insertion of angiocatheters have been described
We report an 80-year-old gentleman with a background history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Grade D; Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale class III) who was admitted for a right spontaneous secondary pneumothorax
Summary
Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) is a common but usually selflimiting complication of cardiothoracic procedures including thoracostomy. There is a paucity of data on the most efficacious treatment methods for extensive SE, various techniques such as negative pressure suction dressings, creation of “blowholes,” and insertion of angiocatheters have been described. We report negative pressure wound therapy dressing (NPWTD) or vacuum dressing as an effective, safe, and cheap technique for management of extensive SE.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
