Management of extensive subcutaneous emphysema using negative pressure wound therapy dressings

We report an 80 ‐year‐old gentleman who developed massive SE necessitating intubation for airway protection following a right chest tube insertion for spontaneous secondary pneumothorax. His SE persisted despite adequate thoracic drainage via a new chest tube. It was then decided to insert two negative pressure wound therapy dressings (NPWTD) or vacuum dressings in the patient's subcutaneous tissue layer via incisions made at anterior chest wall. The dressings were removed after four days in view of significant improvements. NPWTD appears to be an effective, well‐tolerated, safe, and inexpensive approac h that hastens the resolution of SE without the need for invasive thoracic surgeries.

Source: Respirology Case Reports - March 2, 2020 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Nai ‐Chien Huan, Noorasyikin Mohamed Arifin, Teng‐Shin Khoo, Yean‐Chen Lai Tags: Case Report Source Type: research