MEDIASTINAL EMPHYSEMA AND BILATERAL SIMULTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX COMPLICATING TRACHEOTOMY IN AN ADULT

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Abstract
The presence of air within body tissues has been described for many years, and the causes of such a condition are varied. Emphysema, regardless of the tissues affected, may be absorbed without complication; on the other hand, serious consequences may develop, even to the point of endangering life. Subcutaneous emphysema usually clears in the course of a few hours or a few days and the patient is no worse for the experience, while emphysema of the deeper body tissues, especially those of the mediastinum, may lead to graver complications, such as pneumothorax, either unilateral or bilateral, or to complete or partial circulatory collapse. The extent of the dissemination of air through body tissues is governed by the mechanical forces at work and by the anatomic, physiologic or pathologic state of the tissues. Thus, small amounts of air injected directly beneath the surface of the skin will remain localized, but if

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