Broad subcutaneous emphysema with airway obstruction during robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION: Subcutaneous emphysema is a relatively common complication in laparoscopic surgery. However, airway obstruction secondary to subcutaneous emphysema is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63‐year‐old woman with a 56‐mm left renal tumor underwent a robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy. The operative time was 155 min, the insufflation time was 108 min, and the estimated blood loss was 70 mL. The pneumoperitoneum pressure was maintained at 12 mmHg, except at 15 mmHg for 19 min during tumor resection. The end‐tidal CO(2) was <47 mmHg throughout the procedure. Postoperatively, broad subcutaneous emphysema from the thigh to the eyelid was observed. Computed tomography revealed airway obstruction, and extubation was aborted. On postoperative day 1, emphysema around the trachea and neck improved and the intubation tube was successfully removed. CONCLUSION: Both laryngeal emphysema and physical compression secondary to emphysema can cause airway obstruction. To reduce gas‐related complications, the risk of developing subcutaneous emphysema should be properly assessed during robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery.