[Vac-therapy in the management of tension pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema].

Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are the main manifestations of gas syndrome in patients with tracheal injury. Traditional mediastinal decompression in case of tension emphysema is carried out through different types of cervical or transpleural mediastinotomy and subsequent passive drainage. Clinical observation of the use of VAC-therapy in the patient with injury of the membranous part of trachea followed by tension pneumomediastinum is presented. Cervicotomy with dissection of anterior mediastinum and installation of vacuum-assisted dressing were performed. Fast regression of subcutaneous emphysema and relief of pneumomediastinum were noted. There were no complications. The patient was discharged in 6 days after admission. Effectiveness of VAC-therapy in patients with tension subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum was confirmed.