Successful treatment of a rare subcutaneous emphysema after a blow-out fracture surgery using needle aspiration: A case report

BACKGROUND: Many cases of emphysema associated with blow-out fractures occur before surgery due to trauma. However, emphysema can occur even after surgery, and most of such cases are managed conservatively and allowed to resolve. Swelling in the periorbital area due to emphysema that occurs after surgery can make early recovery difficult. CASE SUMMARY: Herein, we describe a case of postoperative subcutaneous emphysema that was treated using a simple needle aspiration method. A 48-year-old male patient visited the hospital with a blow-out fracture of the left medial orbital wall and nasal bone fracture. One day postoperatively, swelling and crepitus in the left periorbital area were observed, and follow-up computed tomography showed emphysema in the left periorbital subcutaneous area. Needle aspiration using an 18-gauge needle and syringe was used to relieve the emphysema. The symptoms of sudden swelling improved immediately, and no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: We conclude that needle aspiration is a useful method that could help in relieving symptom, resolving discomfort, and enabling early return to daily life in patients with postoperative subcutaneous emphysema.