[Retroperitoneal emphysema during total hip replacement].

A 55-year-old woman with rheumatic arthritis was scheduled for total hip replacement. The procedure was performed under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia. Intraoperatively, the part of acetabular roof was cracked by reaming the region but she did not complain of any symptom. However, during pulse irrigation she complained of abdominal pain. After the operation, abdominal distension was noticed and retroperitoneal emphysema was disclosed. She was managed in a ward without problems postoperatively.