title: Tension pneumoperitoneum during routine colonoscopy.
abstract: Colonoscopy is generally a safe and effective means to detect, diagnose, and treat colonic abnormalities. Although the overall complication rate is low, the morbidity and mortality following perforation approach 50%. Here we present a case of a 49-year-old woman undergoing routine colonoscopy when she suffered bowel perforation and tension pneumoperitoneum. This is a seldom occurrence and may result following bowel perforation with the rapid accumulation of free air into the peritoneal cavity. It is a life-threatening complication and a surgical emergency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Providence, RI 02903, USA. jennifer_carey@brown.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Carey
authors.forename: Anthony M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Napoli
mesh_terms: D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography