Management of post-operative orbital and surgical emphysema

Abstract

Orbital and surgical emphysema are rare complications of thoracic, abdominal, and ophthalmic surgeries. Orbital emphysema is often managed conservatively observing a benign clinical course with spontaneous resolution. However elevated intra‐orbital pressure may cause an orbital compartment syndrome with subsequent development of optic neuropathy or vascular insufficiency which are sight‐threatening if not promptly recognized and managed. We present a series of postoperative orbital and surgical emphysema resultant from a variety of operations including photographs, imaging results, and recorded video footage of emergent management techniques.