title: Delayed post-operative pneumoperitoneum.
abstract: We present a case of post-operative pneumoperitoneum (PP), which persisted for eight weeks. Postoperative retained air is the most common cause of PP. It does not require a surgical intervention and thus is defined as a 'non-surgical PP'. The etiological factors contributing to the duration of the postoperative PP are controversial but the longest time described in the literature is 24 days. We review the relevant literature and discuss factors contributing to the duration of postoperative PP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Adil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ceydeli
authors.forename: Bashar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fahoum
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schein
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002430:Cecal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011859:Radiography; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors