Pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum on computed tomography after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): postoperative changes or complications?

BACKGROUND

Many of the acute alterations after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) may be of little clinical significance, while others may herald major clinical problems. The question whether pneumomediastinum/pneumoperitoneum is a normal postoperative finding after POEM, or should be regarded as a sign of a complication needs to be evaluated. Familiarity with these findings in computed tomography (CT) is essential for radiologists.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether or not pneumomediastinum/pneumoperitoneum detected by chest CT is a sign of a complication after POEM using CO2 insufflation for esophageal achalasia.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

One hundred and eight patients with esophageal achalasia who underwent chest CT within 30 hours after POEM were included. CT findings were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists in consensus. The correlation between pneumomediastinum and/or pneumoperitoneum shown on CT and the development of complications was analyzed.

RESULTS

Abnormal findings were identified on post-treatment CT, including pneumomediastinum and/or pneumoperitoneum (53.7%, 58/108), pneumothorax (0.9%, 1/108), subcutaneous emphysema (29.6%, 32/108), pleural effusion (69.4%, 75/108), segmental atelectasis of lung tissue (29.6%, 32/108), minor inflammation of lungs (69.4%, 75/108), and ascites (0.9%, 1/108). Pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum were observed simultaneously in 29 cases. The incidence rate of mild complications was high (79.6%, 86/108), while the rate of severe complications was low (2.8%, 3/108). There was no significant correlation between the occurrence of pneumomediastinum and/or pneumoperitoneum on CT and the development of complications (P = 0.542), or the development of severe complications including delayed hemorrhage, esophageal perforation, and retroperitoneal abscess.

CONCLUSION

Pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum detected by CT occur frequently after POEM and may be regarded as normal postoperative changes.