TR
EN
A Case of Post-Colonoscopy Intra/Extraperitoneal Free Air: Is Surgical Treatment Always Necessary?
Abstract
Colonoscopy-related colonic perforation may occur through pneumatic or mechanical impact, or due to various therapeutic procedures. Mucosal herniation may also develop because of the increase in post-air insufflation pressure. This condition may render the mucosa air-permeable without a distinct focal perforation point.
A 63-year-old female patient, who had had surgery for malign rectal neoplasm five years before and followed-up for radiation proctitis, presented to the emergency department three days after she had control colonoscopy with complaints of a gradually deteriorating facial and cervical swelling along with respiratory distress that developed a day after the procedure. The results of the patient’s analyses revealed that she had colonoscopy-related pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, cervical and facial subcutaneous emphysema. Medical follow-up was planned for the patient since there were no signs of peritonitis in her physical examination, her overall condition was well, and because a long time had passed after the procedure. The patient was discharged after a two-day follow-up with no problems.
Colonoscopy-related intraperitoneal or extraperitoneal free air can both be seen immediately during the procedure and it can develop a long time after the procedure as well. Unnecessary surgical procedures can be prevented through medical follow-up under close monitoring in such patients particularly if they do not have peritonitis signs or symptoms and their overall condition is well.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Case Report
Publication Date
March 19, 2024
Submission Date
May 3, 2021
Acceptance Date
July 9, 2021
Published in Issue
Year 2024 Volume: 63 Number: 1