NOT A DVT – A NOVEL CASE OF SURGICAL EMPHYSEMA
Dr. Lucy Watts and Dr. Carey Girling*
ABSTRACT
Suspected DVT is a common presentation to acute medical assessment units. Though sometimes obvious, many cases show subtle or non-specific signs and require inpatient laboratory testing for diagnostic confirmation or dismissal. One such patient was seen one day post elective laparoscopic ablation for endometriosis. Examination rapidly identified the source of pain as lower limb surgical emphysema, a rare post-operative complication from surgery of this type. Laboratory testing was reassuring, and radiology identified only subcutaneous gas with no evidence of underlying osteomyelitis. The patient was discharged home. The case is discussed and a literature review is undertaken of this uncommon presentation.
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