ABSTRACT
Although tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure in the otolaryngological department, subcutaneous emphysema after tonsillectomy is a rare complication. While most of the cases are benign and self-limiting, severe sequelae, such as tracheal compression, pneumopericardium, are possible. We present two patients with cervical emphysema after tonsillectomy, and focus on explaining the possible pathologic mechanisms, diagnosis, appropriate management, and nature course of cervical emphysema after tonsillectomy.
Subject(s)
Humans , Diagnosis , Emphysema , Mediastinal Emphysema , Pneumopericardium , Subcutaneous Emphysema , TonsillectomyABSTRACT
Thoracic duct cysts are very rare. They are usually asymptomatic but sometimes cause compressive effects on structures near them due to enlarged supraclavicular mass. The etiology of thoracic duct cysts is not fully understood, but the possibility of congenital weakness or atherosclerotic changes of ductal wall, trauma, and inflammatory reactions have been suggested. Although image studies are helpful, the excision of mass and the histological studies are needed for definite diagnosis. We now report this extremely rare case of cervical thoracic duct cyst in the left supraclavicular fossa, including its diagnostic methods and pathogenesis.