Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. · Feb 1986
Case ReportsPneumomediastinum and subcutaneous cervical emphysema during third molar extraction under general anesthesia.
A case of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous cervical emphysema during the extraction of third molars under general anesthesia has been presented. The most likely cause was pulmonary barotrauma secondary to a faulty expiratory valve. This emphasizes the need for the proper preoperative check of all anesthetic equipment. Although pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous cervical emphysema are usually self-limiting conditions with rapid recovery, the patient must undergo close observation for the possible development of serious complications.