Iatrogenic Colon Perforation Due to Colonoscopy Presenting as a Diffuse Subcutaneous Emphysema

Abstract

Colonoscopy is a procedure frequently used for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal diseases. While colonoscopy is generally accepted as a safe procedure, it may lead to morbidity and mortality with serious complications such a colon perforation. This risk is higher when interventional procedures are applied. After colon perforation, extracolonic gas can pass into embryologically relevant body compartments. Free air due to perforation has been reported in the thorax, mediastinum, neck, scrotum and lower extremities. Herein, we present a patient who presented with diffuse subcutaneous emphysema after a colonoscopic procedure to investigate the aetiology of anaemia.

Keywords

• colonoscopy
• iatrogenic colon perforation
• subcutaneous emphysema