Pneumoscrotum: a rare manifestation of perforation associated with therapeutic colonoscopy

World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Aug 28;11(32):5061-3. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i32.5061.

Abstract

Pneumoscrotum is uncommon and also rarely reported as a complication associated with colonic perforation. A case of colonic perforation in delayed fashion associated with EMR, revealed by pneumoscrotum, is reported and the associated literatures are reviewed. A 52-year-old male received piecemeal EMR for a laterally spreading tumor 35 mm in size in our hospital. He complained of enlargement of the scrotum and revisited our hospital the day after the procedure. A diagnosis of pneumoscrotum was made, and as most such cases have been reported to be associated with pneumoperitoneum, colonic perforation was suspected. Free air but no fluid collection was found by abdominal computed tomography, and delayed colonic perforation was diagnosed. However, as there were no clinical signs of peritoneal irritation, conservative treatment was administered and the patient recovered uneventfully. Pneumoscrotum could be a sign of colonic perforation after EMR, and treatment should be carefully chosen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Colonic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colonic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Colonoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / adverse effects
  • Genital Diseases, Male / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Scrotum*
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / etiology*