Benign, Self-Resolving Subcutaneous Emphysema and Abdominal Crepitus after Open Gynecologic Surgery

Abstract

Abdominal crepitus and associated subcutaneous emphysema on imaging following open gynecologic surgery typically signals life-threatening complications including perforated viscus and necrotizing fasciitis, which require prompt intervention. This case is the second to date after open gynecologic surgery where, after extensive workup, significant subcutaneous emphysema of uncertain etiology was diagnosed with a benign and self-resolving course without any long term sequalae.