Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum after laparoscopic surgery

Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and subcutaneous emphysema have been described as complications of laparoscopy. This study evaluates the incidence and significance of these extra alveolar collections of air. We found that pneumomediastinum with or without pneumothorax was not associated with significant morbidity and is more likely after laparoscopic fundoplication than other laparoscopic surgeries. The presence of pneumomediastinum after fundoplication is a normal finding. However, pneumothorax has clinical significance and should be considered pathological.