Intraoperative life-threatening emphysema associated with endotracheal intubation and air insufflation devices: report of two cases.

Two cases of life-threatening body emphysema with decompensating pneumothoraces, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium intraoperatively have been presented. The most likely cause was tracheal perforation combined with high pressure ventilation. Although subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum are self-limiting conditions with rapid recovery with conservative treatment, life-threatening complications may arise requiring prompt recognition and specific surgical management in order to save the patient's life.