Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
pneumoperitoneum
Pronunciation: new-moh-pair-ih-toh-NEE-um
Presence of air or gas in the peritoneal cavity, often indicating bowel perforation.
Full Definition
Pneumoperitoneum refers to the presence of air or gas within the peritoneal cavity. While small amounts can be normal following laparoscopic surgery, significant pneumoperitoneum often indicates bowel perforation and constitutes a surgical emergency. It is typically detected on upright chest X-rays or CT scans as free air under the diaphragm. The condition requires emergency surgical exploration and repair of the perforation with source control to prevent peritonitis and sepsis.
Usage
Usage note: Specify post-surgical vs pathological pneumoperitoneum when documenting.
In Context
- "Chest X-ray revealed pneumoperitoneum consistent with bowel perforation." — Diagnostic imaging interpretation
- "The patient's pneumoperitoneum resolved following laparoscopic repair." — Postoperative assessment
Also known as
free air
intraperitoneal gas
Don't confuse with
pneumothorax
pneumomediastinum