Subcutaneous emphysema: a complication of surgery and anesthesia.

Subcutaneous emphysema is an iatrogenic complication by which air is introduced into the tissues either during or immediately after surgery. A case is presented that demonstrates the complication, following the removal of third molars, believed to be due to violation of the maxillary sinus, an underinflated cuff of a nasotracheal tube, and coughing on extubation.