Post-operative subcutaneous emphysema- are anesthesiologists always at fault

Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) following general anesthesia though a rare and benign entity, however if extensive can cause tremendous patient discomfort. Development of post operative SE cannot be simply ignored and may indicate possible grave injuries like injury to the airway that might require prompt recognition and management. We report a rare case of postoperative SE after an emergency laparotomy surgery, secondary to an uncommon iatrogenic cause.

Keywords: Subcutaneous emphysema, Tracheal injury, Laparotomy, Abdominal drain.