Spontaneous or nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum: A retrospective study with a review of literature by Saumya Chopra in Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences
Spontaneous or nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum: A retrospective study with a review of literature by Saumya Chopra in Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences Abstract Background: Free air in the peritoneal cavity is called pneumoperitoneum. It is an emergency that requires immediate laparotomy. It is present in about 90% of the cases with a hollow viscous perforation. On the other hand, spontaneous, nonsurgical or idiopathic pneumoperitoneum is a benign surgical entity that needs no immediate surgery. It is a diagnostic dilemma for the surgeon as the clinical presentation and radiological findings imitate perforated viscous and may result in unnecessary laparotomy. History and physical examination are very important to rule out visceral perforation. A diagnostic peritoneal lavage, CECT, contrast studies, or laparoscopic evaluation can help prevent a patient from having unnecessary laparotomy. Methodology: This retrospe...