[Pneumoperitoneum in polytraumatized patients without perforated hollow viscera]
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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
Published on: March 15, 2024
Juan Antonio Asanza-Llorente1, María Carmen Quesada-Peinado, Juan Díaz-Oller
1Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital San Agustín, Linares, Jaén, España. juannito@telefonica.net
Abstract:
Bowel and mesenteric injuries from blunt abdominal trauma are infrequent and difficult to diagnose. A finding of pneumoperitoneum on computed tomography is useful, although not specific. In associated blunt chest trauma gas can reach the peritoneal cavity through congenital or post-traumatic diaphragmatic interruptions. Two cases of pneumoperitoneum following associated blunt chest and abdominal trauma are reported. In both patients laparotomy did not show bowel perforation and conservative treatment could have been provided.
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