Colon perforation, bilateral pneumothoraces, pneumopericardium, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema complicating endoscopic polypectomy: anatomic and management considerations

Abstract

A case of colonoscopic polypectomy complicated by perforation, pneumoperitoneum, bilateral pneumothoraces, pneumopericardium, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema is presented. The anatomic basis for the various clinical presentations of extraluminal air following colonoscopy as well as the option of conservative therapy of select cases of perforation is discussed.