Emphysematous changes in pneumoperitoneum and tension pneumothorax following robot-assisted bronchoscopy: a case report

Abstract

Pneumoperitoneum is most commonly caused by perforation of a hollow viscus but can also result as an extension of pneumothorax and/or pneumomediastinum. We present a case of pneumoperitoneum preceded by intraprocedural hemoptysis and tension pneumothorax that developed during transbronchial needle aspiration using robot-assisted flexible bronchoscopy. After stabilization and management of the pneumothorax, diagnostic laparoscopy was performed and revealed no evidence of diaphragmatic or intra-abdominal perforation but showed diffuse emphysematous changes in the gastrohepatic ligament, small and large bowel mesentery, and preperitoneal space. These findings suggest the implication of subserosal and preperitoneal emphysema as the pathophysiological mechanism of pneumoperitoneum and pneumothorax complicating bronchoscopy procedures.