Abdominal compartment syndrome as a complication of endoscopic carbon dioxide insufflation in a patient with malignant bowel obstruction: a case report

BACKGROUND: A self-expandable metal stent is often placed as a bridge to elective surgical treatment of left-sided malignant obstruction of the colon because it allows for primary anastomosis without the need for a temporary stoma, which has a positive impact on the patient’s quality of life. However, although a relatively safe procedure, colonic stenting can have complications that require emergency surgery. This case report describes a rare case of abdominal compartment syndrome that occurred as a complication of endoscopic insufflation during colonic stenting. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 72-year-old woman who presented complaining of several days of constipation and loss of appetite. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed obstruction of the sigmoid colon by a tumor. There were no symptoms or computed tomography findings to suggest perforation. Therefore, an attempt was made to insert a self-expandable metal stent. Acute respiratory disturbance and a change in consciousness occurred during the stenting procedure, with marked abdominal distention. Abdominal compartment syndrome was diagnosed and treated by decompressive laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of abdominal compartment syndrome as a complication of endoscopic insufflation during colonic stenting. The possibility of abdominal compartment syndrome should be considered if acute respiratory disturbance or altered consciousness occurs during endoscopic procedure in a patient with malignant bowel obstruction.