Tension pneumoperitoneum aggravating respiratory failure. A case report.
A case of tension pneumoperitoneum secondary to barotrauma is reported. Any patient needing high pressures for ventilation and oxygenation is prone to this complication. The important respiratory and haemodynamic implications are discussed. It is suggested that drainage of a tension pneumoperitoneum is easy and safe and has major beneficial effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Bothma
P A
PA
Intensive Care Unit, Baragwanath Hospital and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Lipman
J
J
Moyes
D G
DG
Joynt
G M
GM
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications*; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D002648:Child; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D007385:Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D019152:Paracentesis; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications*; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D013907:Thoracostomy; D013990:Tidal Volume