Conservative management of pneumatosis intestinalis and massive pneumoperitoneum in the acute abdomen: a case report.
We present a case of massive pneumoperitoneum in association with pneumatosis intestinalis that was successfully managed without surgery despite a clinical picture of an acute abdomen and biochemical evidence of inflammation and systemic upset. Recognition of non-surgical pneumoperitoneum is important to avoid unnecessary laparotomy, and clinical examination for the presence of peritonitis is the most important determinant of the need for emergency surgery.
Brill
Simon E
SE
Department of Surgery, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK. simon_brill@hotmail.com
Skipworth
James
J
Stoker
David L
DL
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed