Subcutaneous emphysema and hypercarbia following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

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.