We present here a case of tension pneumothorax after routine colonoscopy.
An 80-year-old woman with a history of treated coeliac disease was admitted for investigation
of weight loss and diarrhoea. Recent duodenal biopsies were consistent with treated
coeliac disease. A chest radiograph (Figure [1]) and subsequent computed tomography of the chest confirmed multiple pulmonary nodules,
some calcification and bi-apical scarring consistent with old tuberculosis.
Figure 1 Chest radiograph showing pulmonary nodules, right hilar enlargement, and early apical
fibrosis.
She underwent colonoscopy (receiving pethidine 25 mg and midazolam 3 mg), which demonstrated
severe sigmoid diverticular disease, but due to pain and the severity of the disease,
views were only achieved as far as 35 cm. A 2-cm polyp at 20 cm was removed using
a snare and coagulation. The patient complained of severe pain, with abdominal distension.
Despite careful withdrawal of the colonoscope with attempted colonic deflation she
became hypoxic, cyanosed, and hypotensive. The colonoscopist reversed her sedation,
but with no clinical improvement. She was subsequently intubated, but ventilation
was difficult, with decreased air entry on the right side. Post-intubation chest radiography
revealed a right-sided tension pneumothorax. Free subdiaphragmatic air was not demonstrated.
Thoracocentesis and a drainage procedure were performed.
Cases of pneumothorax complicating colonoscopy have been reported previously [1]
[2]. The majority of these appear to be subsequent to colonic perforation after polypectomy,
although the anatomic basis for the reported complications varies. Tension pneumothoraces are extremely rare after colonoscopy. A case of tension pneumothorax
subsequent to perforation of the transverse colon in a diaphragmatic hernia has been
reported [3].
In the case presented, it seems likely that the tension pneumothorax arose directly
as a result of pulmonary pathology, since no perforation was found at laparotomy.
Patients undergoing colonoscopy have increased intrathoracic pressure due to a reflex
Valsalva manoeuvre, particularly if the procedure is uncomfortable. In patients who
have primary lung pathology, colonoscopists should be aware of tension pneumothorax
as a rare complication.
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