Massive subcutaneous emphysema following colonoscopy.
A case of massive subcutaneous emphysema following colonoscopic polypectomy is reported. The incidence of colonic perforation following colonoscopy is 0.1% and may be intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal. Intraperitoneal perforation is usually immediately apparent and likely to require urgent surgical exploration. The development of subcutaneous emphysema or a pneumoscrotum suggests a retroperitoneal perforation and in the majority of cases management is conservative. Contrast studies are often unhelpful but plain x-rays may help to distinguish between intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal perforations.
D000368:Aged; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000293:injuries*; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000601:surgery; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004646:Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000293:injuries; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D012811:Sigmoid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*