Retroperitoneal and Mediastinal Emphysema after Sigmoid Colon Resection

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Complications
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Retroperitoneal and mediastinal emphysema are rare post-colon resection complications.
• Anastomotic leakage is the usual cause, but this case presents an alternative etiology.
• Conservative management feasibility and safety remain largely unestablished.

Observation:

• A patient underwent open sigmoid colon resection for colon cancer.
• The patient developed retroperitoneal and mediastinal emphysema.
• The emphysema was attributed to a perforated diverticulum, not anastomotic leakage.

Findings:

• Conservative treatment was successfully implemented for the emphysema.
• This approach proved effective in managing a rare complication.
• The case highlights an unusual cause of post-operative emphysema.

Implications:

• Conservative management may be a viable option for select cases of post-colon resection emphysema.
• Diverticular perforation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of emphysema post-colon surgery.
• Further research is warranted to define the role of conservative treatment in such scenarios.