Management of Subcutaneous Emphysema Due to Penetrating Oropharyngeal Trauma

Year 2022, Volume: 39 Issue: 4, 1306 - 1308, 29.10.2022

Emel Tahir Emre Demirel Hatice Albayrak Nazik  Aşılıoğlu Sinan Atmaca

Abstract

Background: Penetrating trauma to the oropharynx is a rare problem in children. Although the majority of cases heal with no long-term consequences it can result in fatal complications. In this case report we discuss how a spoon-related oropharyngeal trauma case was treated.
Case: A 7-year-old child fell facedown while eating ice cream, the spoon became inserted in his. A vertical 3-4 cm laceration in the midline of the posterior wall of the pharynx was discovered. There was subcutaneous and retropharyngeal air values extending into the upper mediastinum in his computed tomography scan. While the patient was intubated and monitored in the pediatric intensive care unit. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were initiated to prevent infectious complications. As his subcutaneous emphysema regressed, he was successfully extubated.
Conclusion: In penetrating trauma of the oropharynx; to avoid fatal complications, early commencement of antibiotic therapy, and close monitoring of the in the intensive care unit is vital.

Keywords

oropharynx, pneumomediastinum, emphysema, trauma

References

• Chauhan N, Guillemaud J, El-Hakim H. Two patterns of impalement injury to the oral cavity: Report of four cases and review of literature. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolarngol. 2006;70(8): 1479-1483.
• Song N, Liu F, Liu Y. The chopstick: a rare and serious cause of penetrating oropharyngeal trauma in a 6-year-old. Br J Hosp Med. 2020; 2;81(7):1.
• Ezerarslan H, Ataç G.K, Kaplan T, Beriat G.K. deep cervicofacial emphysema and pneumomediastinum due to penetrant oral trauma. International Journal of Case Reports and Images. 2014;5(1):58-61.
• Younessi OJ, Alcaino EA. Impalement injuries of the oral cavity in children: a case report and survey of the literature. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2007;17(1):66-71.
• Nishino H, Kenmochi M, Kasugai S, Okada T, Ohashi T. Subcutaneous emphysema secondary to tonsillectomy: a case report. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2003;30(Suppl):135-136.
• Lei W, Yu J, Huang Y, Zhao L, Sun J. Pediatric penetrating oropharyngeal trauma. Can J Anaesth. 2019;66(7):836-837.