[Tracheostomy as a solution for subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum with severe respiratory failure].

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum have many causes. Generally they course without severe pathophysiological complications and severe respiratory complications are rare. However, cases with progressive dyspnea should be treated with tracheostomy or superficial incisions. A case is reported of a patient who underwent hip surgery under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation and later presented progressive dyspnea with subcutaneous emphysema and neuromediastinum. Tracheostomy yielded satisfactory results.