1. Recurrent 'spontaneous' pneumoperitoneum: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma
- Author
-
Katelijne Derveaux and Freddy Penninckx
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Free gas ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Perforation (oil well) ,Abdominal viscus ,Pneumoperitoneum ,Emergency surgery ,Recurrence ,Laparotomy ,Medicine ,Humans ,Leukocytosis ,Aged ,business.industry ,food and beverages ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,Surgery ,body regions ,Etiology ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
The finding of intraperitoneal free gas usually indicates a perforated abdominal viscus, and requires emergency surgery. In a minority of cases, no perforation can be found, a situation that can be classified as “spontaneous” pneumoperitoneum. A conservative approach may be considered if clinical signs are minimal, particularly when peritoneal signs, fever and leucocytosis are absent. The various causes of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum are discussed.
- Published
- 2003