Perforation of the small bowel as a complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: CT findings

Despite the widespread use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, technical compl ications unique to the laparoscopic approach may lead to significant postop erative morbidity and mortality. We report a rare case of small bowel perfo ration due to trocar injury that led to extensive pneumoperitoneum and pneu momediastinum in a patient who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Smal l bowel injuries should be suspected when a large or an increasing amount o f free air is detected following this procedure. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.