Retroperitoneal and mediastinal emphysema as a complication of colonoscopy

Retroperitoneal and mediastinal emphysema as a complication of colonoscopy, though infrequent, may occur. It is important to realize that this can be a benign clinical condition that will resolve with conservative management. A case of retroperitoneal emphysema after routine colonoscopy is reported with a review of literature and a brief discussion.