Incidence, outcomes, and risk factors of postlaparoscopic subcutaneous emphysema: a historical cohort study.

Purpose: Subcutaneous emphysema is a common complication of laparoscopic surgery. We aimed to determine the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors of postlaparoscopic subcutaneous emphysema.

Methods: We conducted a single-centre historical cohort study of adult patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery at Kagoshima University Hospital between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2021. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify independent factors associated with postlaparoscopic subcutaneous emphysema.

Results: We included 1,642 patients with a median [interquartile range] age of 65 [53-72] yr. Postlaparoscopic subcutaneous emphysema was diagnosed in 600 (37%) patients. Female sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; 99.5% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 2.58), peak end-tidal carbon dioxide ≥ 45 mm Hg (OR, 2.07; 99.5% CI, 1.43 to2.98), and use of the AirSeal® Intelligent Flow System (CONMED Corp., Largo, FL, USA) (OR, 3.37; 99.5% CI, 2.34 to 4.87) were independent factors associated with postlaparoscopic subcutaneous emphysema. In addition, a lower body mass index was significantly associated with increased postlaparoscopic subcutaneous emphysema (P for trend < 0.001). No complications were associated with postlaparoscopic subcutaneous emphysema.

Conclusions: This historical cohort study showed a relatively high incidence of postlaparoscopic subcutaneous emphysema. In addition to previously reported risk factors, female sex and use of the AirSeal Intelligent Flow System were found to be associated with postlaparoscopic subcutaneous emphysema.