title: Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumoperitoneum during colonoscopic balloon dilation: a case report.
abstract: A 77-year-old woman underwent colonoscopic balloon dilatation for colonic stricture 1 year after laparoscopic anterior resection of sigmoid colon cancer. During the balloon dilatation, panfacial swelling and apnea were noted. Emergency endotracheal intubation was undertaken. Chest X-ray revealed diffuse subcutaneous emphysema and bilateral pneumothorax. We discuss the possible mechanism and management of this uncommon complication during therapeutic colonoscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, National Cheng Kung University, Medical College and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yi-Chen
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Yu-Chuan
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Shih-Yuan
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Fang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization; D003113:Colonoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis*