title: Pneumatosis intestinalis after laparoscopic appendectomy: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is the presence of intraluminal gas within the wall of the intestine. As a marker for bowel injury owing to mucosal injury, PI may herald a severe underlying disease process in patients without a significant medical history. In other cases, PI is a benign process, and expectant management is appropriate. Here, we present the first reported case of pneumatosis associated with postoperative abscess after appendectomy and its successful management. Then, we describe the pathophysiology of pneumatosis and review the literature regarding its origin and management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vendryes
authors.forename: Catherine J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: Susan R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Harlan
authors.forename: Henri R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Pierce
mesh_terms: D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D001065:Appendix / Q000473:pathology; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004322:Drainage; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D005734:Gangrene; D006801:Humans; D045823:Ileus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D007121:Immunocompetence; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents