Recalcitrant Subcutaneous Emphysema: A Solution with A Simple Method

Objective: To report our experience in treating 10 consecutive patients with recalcitrant subcutaneous emphysema (SE) using two different types of subcutaneous drains.
Methods: A retrospective review of our experience in managing 10 cases of recalcitrant SE. The method that we employed consisted of creating a subcutaneous tunnelization of the pre-pectoral space, under previous local anesthesia, and inserting three Penrose drains (small rubber tubes) or a multifenestrated Argyle drain in the tunnels.
Results: The placement of the subcutaneous drains resolved SE in all 10 cases within a mean time of 5.3 days. No local or systemic complications were observed, but patients with the Argyle drain showed worse tolerance, presenting local pain that required treatment with additional analgesics.
Conclusion: The subcutaneous drain treatment of the recalcitrant SE is a simple, safe, and effective method that should be used in clinical practice for the better comfort of patients. In our series, Penrose drains were better tolerated than the multifenestrated Argyle drains.