Surgical emphysema following therapeutic colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an invasive procedure used in the detection of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and investigation of bleeding from the rectum. In addition to diagnostic procedures, colonoscopy also has therapeutic indications such as polypectomy and dilation of strictures. We present a case of a patient who presented with cervical emphysema following a therapeutic colonoscopy. The patient had no abdominal or chest pain, shortness of breath and was managed conservatively. Perforation following colonoscopy is a rare complication; however, it is essential that doctors recognize and are aware of the different presentations and management options for this complication.