Subcutaneous Carbon Dioxide Emphysema Following Endoscopic Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair: Possible Mechanisms

Abstract

We report on a patient who developed subcutaneous emphysema with hypercarbia during an endoscopic, totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of an inguinal hernia. The possible mechanisms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) insufflation causing emphysema of the subcutaneous tissues are discussed and ways to prevent it are proposed.