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C ase R eport : Pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax complicating colonoscopy
Author(s) -
TAM WILLIAM CE,
POLLARD IAN,
JOHNSON RICHARD D
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1746.1996.tb00334.x
Subject(s) - pneumomediastinum , medicine , colonoscopy , pneumothorax , perforation , complication , surgery , pneumoperitoneum , abdominal pain , anesthesia , laparoscopy , colorectal cancer , materials science , cancer , punching , metallurgy
Colonic perforation is potentially the most serious complication of colonoscopy. Both the clinical manifestation and rapidity of onset of symptoms can vary depending on whether the perforation occurs directly into the peritoneal cavity or into the retroperitoneal space. Colonic perforation is often associated with abdominal pain, although more uncommon presentations have been documented. A case report of a unilateral pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum complicating colonoscopy is described, which responded well to conservative measures without recourse to surgical intervention, antibiotic therapy or parenteral alimentation.