title: Recurrent "spontaneous" pneumoperitoneum: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Abdominal Surgery, Gasthuisberg University Clinics, Catholic University Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Derveaux
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Penninckx
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence