Abstract
Colonoscopy is a safe procedure for the diagnosis and management of colorectal diseases. Colonic perforation due to colonoscopy represents an uncommon complication. Here we present an unusual case of iatrogenic bowel perforation resulting in subcutaneous facial and neck emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumoretroperitoneum. Taking a detailed recent medical history information is always required when encountering patients with subcutaneous emphysema after invasive examination procedures. Alertness on iatrogenic complication eventualities may improve prognosis and avoid life-threatening conditions.
Highlights
Colonoscopy is a commonly utilized procedure for the evaluation and therapy of colorectal diseases
Perforation rate has declined compared to the past, advanced interventional colonoscopy during the last years led to an increase trend [1]
We report information on a patient admitted to our facility with subcutaneous emphysema of neck and face, pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum and pneumomediastinum secondary to bowel perforation during routine colonoscopy
Summary
Colonoscopy is a commonly utilized procedure for the evaluation and therapy of colorectal diseases. A 62-year-old female was admitted to the emergency department of the Saint George General Hospital of Chania, Crete, Greece complaining of chest and mild abdominal pain. Three hours earlier, she underwent a preventive colonoscopy by a gastroenterologist in a private medical practice in order to evaluate symptoms of abdominal discomfort of 3 months duration. On admission, swelling of the face and neck were noticed Her vital signs were as follows: blood pressure, 125/65 mmHg; oxygen saturation 97% while she was breathing ambient air; heart rate, 100 per minute; temperature, 36.5 degree Celsius. Received: July 03, 2015 / Accepted: October 16, 2015 / Available Online Date: August 18, 2016
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
