Descending necrotizing mediastinitis and facial palsy as serial complications in orthognathic surgery

Abstract

Orthognathic surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures. Hemorrhage, infection, and facial palsy have been reported as complications of the surgery, but the occurrence is low. Our patient presented with facial palsy, postoperative bleeding, wound dehiscence, and descending necrotizing mediastinitis in a sequence. This is the first report of descending necrotizing mediastinitis after orthognathic surgery. Although these are very rare complications, awareness of the clinical presentation and the management of these conditions are important.