[Subcutaneous emphysema after septoplasty: a case report].

Subcutaneous emphysema is characterized by the presence of air in the connective tissue within the fascial planes. The etiology of subcutaneous emphysema includes trauma, iatrogenic causes, or spontaneous development. Head and neck subcutaneous emphysema is a well-defined and life-threatening condition. In case of a large amount of air leaks into the fascial planes, the air can also extend into the retropharyngeal, mediastinal, pleural, and retroperitoneal spaces beyond the subcutaneous layers. Although numerous maxillofacial surgical procedures can cause subcutaneous emphysema, septoplasty has not been reported previously. In this unique case, subcutaneous emphysema developed after elective septoplasty and involved the maxillofacial, retropharyngeal, deep cervical, and orbital regions. The patient was treated conservatively with antibiotic prophylaxis and the condition completely resolved by day 10 spontaneously. Herein, we discuss the available literature data and optimal management strategies for unusual cases of head and neck subcutaneous emphysema.