Post-Operative Cervical Subcutaneous Emphysema and Cellulitis following Iatrogenic Oropharyngeal Trauma during Intubation and Microlaryngoscopy: A Rare Complication

Oropharyngeal trauma sustained through instrumentation during laryngoscopy is not uncommon. In most cases this is minor and can be managed conservatively without any significant sequelae. A mucosal breach, however, can lead to subcutaneous emphysema and allow an entry point for pathogens which can track along the cervicofacial planes of the neck. We present a case of cervical subcutaneous emphysema with superadded cellulitis secondary to the use of a postoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device following trivial oropharyngeal trauma sustained during an elective microlaryngoscopy. Although there are similar documented cases, reports of this complication following microlaryngeal surgery are rare.