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.
Aetiology
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.
Diagnosis
It is often seen on x-ray, but small amounts are often missed and CT is nowadays regarded as the gold standard in the assessment because CT can visualize as small as 5 cm cubic air.
Complications
Increased intrathoracic pressure -> decreased venous return. This means that DVT prophylaxis is required!!
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumoperitoneum
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