Postoperative pelvic gas collections mimicking abscesses or bowel injury.

Extraperitoneal gas collections were routinely found in the pelvic soft tissues following abdominal hysterectomies in 35 patients. These collections have the typical appearance of extraperitoneal gas, are absorbed gradually, and should not be confused with pelvic abscesses or bowel injury. There was no trapping of gas in the pelvic soft tissues following vaginal hysterectomies in 15 patients.