Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:27
Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
[A rare cause of pneumoperitoneum]
D Serban1, C M Brănescu, C Savlovschi
1Universitatea de Medicină si Farmacie "C. Davila" Bucureşti. darzos@gmail.com
Chirurgia (Bucharest, Romania : 1990)
|June 9, 2009
Summary
A massive pneumoperitoneum in a 77-year-old patient indicated severe abdominal vascular damage. This led to extensive gastric gangrene and perforation, a rare cause of pneumoperitoneum requiring surgical exploration.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- A 77-year-old patient presented with acute pancreatitis, renal failure, and atrioventricular block.
- Hemodynamic instability necessitated intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
Observation:
- Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed massive pneumoperitoneum, indicating a surgical emergency.
- Intraoperative findings included major vascular damage to the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery.
Findings:
- Extensive gastric necrosis with perforation, splenic infarction, and entero-mesenteric infarction were identified.
- Anatomopathological examination confirmed extensive gangrene of the gastric wall.
Implications:
- This case highlights vascular damage as a critical cause of pneumoperitoneum.
- Prompt surgical exploration is crucial for patients with pneumoperitoneum and hemodynamic instability.
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.
01:22Esophageal 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.
01:08Pneumothorax 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...
01:29Pneumonia 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...