Iatrogenic pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema as a complication of colonoscopy with cold forceps biopsy

Abstract

A 58-year-old woman underwent outpatient colonoscopy with multiple cold forceps biopsy for evaluation of a presumptive diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Six hours following the procedure, she developed subcutaneous crepitus and presented to the emergency department, where chest X-ray revealed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. Our case discusses this unusual complication of colonoscopy and its diagnosis and management. © Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.