[Retropneumoperitoneum and pneumomediastinum following proctoscopy (author's transl)]

A 66-year-old patient developed a retropneumoperitoneum and pneumomediastinum after a proctoscopy. Following the examination, which was done as an out patient, he had some pain but was able to reach home without difficulty. Radiography of the abdomen on the next day showed definite gas collection round the right kidney and below the middle of the diaphragm. The mediastinum showed some translucencies consistent with cranial spread of air from the retropneumoperitoneum; it was particularly marked round the aorta. The film also showed supraclavicular emphysema. After being placed supine the patient's symptoms rapidly disappeared. There were no complications and no treatment was necessary. The case is discussed in relation to the relevant literature.