Drainage for Subcutaneous Emphysema after Pulmonary Resection

Severe subcutaneous emphysema sometimes develops after pulmonary resection. We report our management of ten patients who were treated with subcutaneous Penrose drainage. Water seal test at chest closure showed no air leakage in 5, and a small amount in 5. Chest X-ray at the progression of massive subcutaneous emphysema showed no obvious pneumothorax in 2, and slight apical pneumothorax in 8. Subcutaneous emphysema developed after removal of chest tubes in 6, and before removal in 4. Subcutaneous drains were inserted at the midclavicular line or the side chest in 8, and both in 2. Subcutaneous emphysema improved immediately after subcutaneous Penrose drainage with active compressive massage. Subcutaneous penrose drainage is easy and useful for relieving massive subcutaneous emphysema.