title: Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum after laparoscopic surgery.
abstract: Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and subcutaneous emphysema have been described as complications of laparoscopy. This study evaluates the incidence and significance of these extra alveolar collections of air. We found that pneumomediastinum with or without pneumothorax was not associated with significant morbidity and is more likely after laparoscopic fundoplication than other laparoscopic surgeries. The presence of pneumomediastinum after fundoplication is a normal finding. However, pneumothorax has clinical significance and should be considered pathological.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York 10029, USA.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Richard
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stancato-Pasik
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Salky
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Mendelson
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D018662:Fundoplication; D006551:Hernia, Hiatal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging