Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum as a rare complication of laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Occurrence of bilateral pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema during gynecologic laparoscopic procedure is very rare. We report a case of a 23-year-old woman who developed bilateral pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema during laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Carbon dioxide extravasations outside the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopy may have fatal consequences. Careful monitoring, immediate diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial for patient safety.

Keywords

• Laparoscopy – complications
• Mediastinal emphysema
• Pneumothorax
• Subcutaneous emphysema
• Case reports