A comparison of subcutaneous and preperitoneal emphysema arising from gynecologic laparoscopic procedures

Out of 1,300 cases of gynecologic laparoscopic procedures reviewed, three incidences of preperitoneal emphysema and several incidences of subcutaneous emphysema were noted. There were a few significant differences in the diagnosis and management of these two types of emphysema. In the medical literature reviewed by the author, preperitoneal emphysema has not been discussed while subcutaneous emphysema has received quite a lot of attention. Preperitoneal emphysema is defined as a collection of air or other gas which occurs in the tissue spaces between the abdominal fascia and the ventral peritoneum.