[1993: the centenary of artificial pneumoperitoneum]

Artificial pneumoperitoneum (introduction of gas in the peritonea cavity) has been tried for the first time in medical practice, by the Austrian surgeon Mosetig-Moorhof, in January and July 1893. This method was utilized in turns to therapeutic or diagnostic ends, especially in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (collapsotherapy) since 1930 till the advent of isoniazid in 1952. Today, pneumoperitoneum remains an ultimate indication; it is the first step of coelioscopy.