Early Postoperative Malignant Subcutaneous Emphysema: Report and Review

Background Subcutaneous emphysema is defined as presence of air or gas in subcutaneous tissue layer. It may be localized or generalized due to various aetiological factors. Although SE and pneumomediastinum are self-limiting conditions, life-threatening complications may develop. Escape of air into both pleural cavity causing bilateral pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax can be termed as malignant emphysema.