Cervicofacial Emphysema: A Rare and Potentially Fatal Complication of Tonsillectomy

Abstract Tonsillectomy is commonly performed in otorhinolaryngology clinics and is a relatively reliable procedure. Nevertheless, several complications, most notably postoperative bleeding, have been identified. Cervicofacial emphysema following tonsillectomy is exceedingly rare. This complication can lead to high-mortality outcomes, such as necrotizing fasciitis, mediastinitis, and pneumomediastinum. In this case report, we present the diagnosis and treatment of cervicofacial emphysema that developed on the third postoperative day in a 25-year-old female patient, along with a review of the relevant literature.