Nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum: a case report and a review.
The finding of extraluminal gas on plain radiographs is usually associated with a perforated viscus. But, as this case shows, the finding of pneumoperitoneum is not pathogenic of a perforated viscus or even of a surgical emergency, because there are many benign explanations for a pneumoperitoneum. Perhaps the most important maneuver for differentiating between the two is by performing a through history and physical examination. This in conjunction with either a diagnostic peritoneal lavage, contrast studies, or endoscopic evaluation can help prevent a patient from having needless surgery. The causes of a nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum are described as well as a treatment plan for patients presenting with a nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum.
Rowe
N M
NM
Department of Surgery, Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York 11220, USA.
Kahn
F B
FB
Acinapura
A J
AJ
Cunningham
J N
JN
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000209:etiology; D000465:Algorithms; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D010533:Peritoneal Lavage; D010808:Physical Examination; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012307:Risk Factors