Subcutaneous emphysema and hypercarbia following laparoscopic cholecystectomy
R. B. Kent 3rd
Department of Surgery, Norwood Clinic, Birmingham, AL 35234.
The recent development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has introduced the
technique of laparoscopy to the general surgical community. As increasing
numbers of laparoscopic cholecystectomies are performed, increasing numbers
of complications directly related to laparoscopy will result. A case of
subcutaneous emphysema and hypercarbia without pneumothorax is reported in
a patient undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Etiology, evaluation,
and therapy for subcutaneous emphysema associated with laparoscopy are
reviewed.
