Massive pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema after elective adenotonsillectomy in children: Involvement of the Boyle-Davis mouth gag

Abstract Adenotonsillectomy, a very common surgical procedure in otorhinolaryngology, is considered easy and safe surgery. However, clinicians should be aware of some less common but potentially life-threatening complications. This report discusses subcutaneous emphysema with pneumomediastinum following elective adenotonsillar surgery in children. The Boyle-Davis mouth gag seemed to play a part in the pathogenic mechanism of this rare complication in this case. Better insights in the mechanism of this severe complication of adenotonsillectomy may contribute to the prevention of this complication.