Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema after successful laparoscopic supra-cervical hysterectomy

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a commonly performed gynecological procedure. Although the outcomes are favorable, severe life threatening complications such as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema can occur during laparoscopy secondary to carbon dioxide insufflation. We report a 46-year-old female who was scheduled for laparoscopic-assisted supra-cervical hysterectomy for uterine fibroids. Patient tolerated the procedure and there were no intra-operative complications. Post operatively she developed hypercarbia, subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. She was managed conservatively. This case demonstrates a rare occurrence of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after supra-cervical hysterectomy.