Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
07:43
Laparoscopic S7 Hepatectomy with Positive Fluorescence Staining
Published on: May 9, 2025
Pneumoperitoneum caused by ruptured gas-containing liver abscess
Hiroaki Shiba1, Hiroaki Aoki, Takeyuki Misawa
1Department of Surgery, Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shinbashi, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
|March 27, 2007
Summary
A rare case of liver abscess with pneumoperitoneum in an 84-year-old woman was successfully treated with surgery. This study highlights the first reported hepatectomy for a ruptured liver abscess causing pneumoperitoneum.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Liver abscesses, particularly gas-containing ones, are uncommon hepatic infections.
- Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum, the presence of air in the abdominal cavity without a known surgical or traumatic cause, is a rare complication of intra-abdominal pathology.
Observation:
- An 84-year-old female presented with high fever and acute severe abdominal pain.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed a gas-containing liver abscess and spontaneous pneumoperitoneum.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified as the causative agent from liver tissue, abscess, and blood cultures.
Findings:
- Emergency lateral segmentectomy was performed for the liver abscess.
- The patient recovered well and was discharged on postoperative day 31.
- This represents the first reported case of successful hepatectomy for pneumoperitoneum secondary to a ruptured liver abscess in English literature.
Implications:
- Ruptured liver abscesses with pneumoperitoneum, though rare, require prompt surgical intervention.
- Successful hepatectomy can be a viable treatment option for this complex condition.
- This case expands the understanding of rare liver abscess complications and surgical management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:13Pleura of the Lungs
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...