[Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Description of a clinical case]

In laparoscopic surgery CO2 is insuffled under positive pressure in the peritoneum; this step has anesthesiological implications because of potential complications. A case of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax occurred in a patient who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and whose history was meaningless for lung pathologies is reported. The role of CO2, of the pressure in the abdominal cavity, of N2O and other possible causes of this complication are discussed. The authors emphasize the importance and the need of continuous monitoring to reduce perioperative morbidity and to avoid major complications in the course of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.