[Subcutaneous emphysema after adenotonsillectomy].

Adenotonsillectomy is a commonly performed procedure in otorhinolaryngology departments. A rare complication is cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema, that often resolves spontaneously, but may progress to obstruct upper airways or spread to the thorax causing pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax and impair cardiorespiratory function. A case of cervicofacial emphysema in a young woman undergoing routine adenotonsillectomy is presented, and possible mechanisms and treatment options are discussed.