Massive subcutaneous emphysema and hypercarbia: complications of carbon dioxide absorption during extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal laparoscopic surgery--case studies

The laparoscopic approach to surgery is being used with greater frequency as our healthcare system continues to strive for shorter hospital stays and improved postoperative patient recovery times. However, laparoscopy is not without potential complications. This article presents 2 patient case studies. The cases differ in surgical technique. One patient's laparoscopic surgery involved an extraperitoneal approach. The second patient's surgery involved an intraperitoneal approach. Massive subcutaneous emphysema developed in both patients. The phenomenon of subcutaneous emphysema associated with laparoscopic surgery will be defined and discussed.