title: Pneumoperitoneum.
abstract: Pneumoperitoneum results from perforation of the gastrointestinal tract in the majority of instances and the necessity of operative treatment is implied. In patients where peritonitis is not a problem, nonoperative treatment is successful. Surgical treatment is not required for those in whom the condition results from barotrauma. The decision to enjoin or withhold operative intervention in individual cases is judgmental.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Ferrara
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Harrison
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000209:etiology