Conservative management of pneumatosis intestinalis and massive pneumoperitoneum in the acute abdomen: a case report

Abstract

We present a case of massive pneumoperitoneum in association with pneumatosis intestinalis that was successfully managed without surgery despite a clinical picture of an acute abdomen and biochemical evidence of inflammation and systemic upset. Recognition of non-surgical pneumoperitoneum is important to avoid unnecessary laparotomy, and clinical examination for the presence of peritonitis is the most important determinant of the need for emergency surgery.