Pneumoperitoneum
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[edit] Description
Pneumoperitoneum is air or gas in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity[1], often seen on x-ray, but small amounts are often missed and CT is nowadays regarded as a criterion standard in the assessment of a pneumoperitoneum.[2], CT can visualize as small as 5 cm cubic air. The most common cause is a perforated abdominal viscus, generally a perforated ulcer, although any part of the bowel may perforate from a benign ulcer, tumor or trauma. A perforated appendix seldom causes a pneumoperitoneum.
A pneumoperitoneum is deliberately created by the surgical team in order to perform laparoscopic surgery. This is achieved by insufflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary. KMLE American Heritage Medical Dictionary definition of pneumoperitoneum.
- ^ Ali Nawaz Khan. eMedicine.com: Pneumoperitoneum.
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