Pneumoperitoneum After Hysterectomy

Abstract

PNEUMOPERITONEUM usually presents as a surgical emergency owing to perforation of a hollow viscus. Closure of the perforation in the stomach, duodenum, or colon must be accomplished immediately to halt peritoneal contamination. Often celiotomy fails to disclose a perforation site. In these cases, the origin of air has been ascribed to a small perforated duodenal ulcer, a minute leak from a colon diverticulum, a rupture of an emphysematous bleb, or an insufflation of air via the female genital tract in association with postpartum exercises, douching, and even pelvic examination.¹Oral-genital sex, normal daily exercises, salpingitis, and prolapsed fallopian tube have also been reported in conjunction with pneumoperitoneum.²The following case is unusual, as the pneumoperitoneum occurred one year after hysterectomy. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> A 34-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 3, came to the emergency room complaining of severe abdominal pain that radiated to her left shoulder when