Abstract
This case describes the development of subcutaneous emphysema following restorative dentistry performed under general anesthesia. Initial treatment consisted of intravenous epinephrine and dexamethasone due to difficulty in breathing and laryngeal stridor. Dexamethasone and other adjunctive drugs were administered over the 4 days following surgery while the symptoms subsided. The author emphasizes the importance of early recognition and prompt management in managing this unusual complication.
Full text
PDF


Images in this article
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Bavinger J. V. Subcutaneous and retropharyngeal emphysema following dental restoration: an uncommon complication. Ann Emerg Med. 1982 Jul;11(7):371–374. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(82)80367-3. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Berry B. E., Ochsner J. L. Perforation of the esophagus. A 30 year review. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1973 Jan;65(1):1–7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Duncan J. M., Ferrillo P. J. Interstitial emphysema after an amalgam restoration. J Am Dent Assoc. 1967 Feb;74(3):407–410. doi: 10.14219/jada.archive.1967.0095. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Hawkins D. B., Seltzer D. C., Barnett T. E., Stoneman G. B. Endotracheal tube perforation of the hypopharynx. West J Med. 1974 Apr;120(4):282–286. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Hayduk S., Bennett C. R., Monheim L. M. Subcutaneous emphysema after operative dentistry: report of case. J Am Dent Assoc. 1970 Jun;80(6):1362–1362. doi: 10.14219/jada.archive.1970.0280. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Hirsch M., Abramowitz H. B., Shapira S., Barki Y. Hypopharyngeal injury as a result of attempted endotracheal intubation. Radiology. 1978 Jul;128(1):37–39. doi: 10.1148/128.1.37. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Kumar S. M., Pandit S. K., Cohen P. J. Tracheal laceration associated with endotracheal anesthesia. Anesthesiology. 1977 Sep;47(3):298–299. doi: 10.1097/00000542-197709000-00012. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Lloyd R. E. Surgical emphysema as a complication in endodontics. Br Dent J. 1975 May 20;138(10):393–394. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.4803459. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- RHYMES R., Jr POSTEXTRACTION SUBCUTANEOUS EMPHYSEMA. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1964 Feb;17:271–273. doi: 10.1016/0030-4220(64)90152-5. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Snyder M. B., Rosenberg E. S. Subcutaneous emphysema during periodontal surgery: report of a case. J Periodontol. 1977 Dec;48(12):790–791. doi: 10.1902/jop.1977.48.12.790. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Tan C. S., Tashkin D. P., Sassoon H. Pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema complicating endotracheal intubation. South Med J. 1984 Feb;77(2):253–255. doi: 10.1097/00007611-198402000-00033. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]



