Pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema after endoscopic submucosal dissection of a rectal lateral spreading tumor

AbstractIntroductionEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an already established procedure in the treatment of gastric and esophageal cancer in its early stages. Colorectal lesions, initially approached by endoscopic mucosal resection en bloc or in fragments, are the current focus for submucosal approach, especially for superficial lateral spreading tumor of 20mm-diameter. The experience of Japanese centers, which are reference in therapeutic endoscopy, demonstrates reduction in the rate of disease recurrence with this approach and, according to specific histopathological criteria, may avoid colectomy in some cases of malignant neoplasia.1–3Case reportThe patient was 50-year-old female. She underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection of a rectal lateral spreading tumor measuring 50mm, located 8cm from the anal margin. The procedure was performed without major complications, with just two points for muscle layer detachment, without gross perforation and closed with metal clips. However, the patient developed air leakage to the peritoneum, retroperitoneum, mediastinum and subcutaneous tissue, being only treated with clinical procedures and without additional intervention.ConclusionIt is vital to know and be able to apply the technique of ESD, in addition to addressing its complications, since despite the numerous benefits compared to surgery, ESD can result in serious outcomes.4,