Massive Pneumoperitoneum After Scuba Diving
Journal of Korean Medical Science
;
: 281-283, 2003.
Artigo
em Inglês
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-210099
ABSTRACT
Pneumoperitoneum usually indicates rupture of a hollow viscus and considered a surgical emergency. But air may also enter the peritoneum from the lung or the genital organs in female without visceral perforation. While scuba diving, the rapid ascent is usually controlled by placing in a decompression chamber and the excess gas volume is exhaled. Failure to allow this excess gas to escape will result in overdistension of air passage, which may rupture resulting in pulmonary interstitial emphysema or, if air enters the circulation, air embolus can occur. Pneumo-peritoneum is a rare complication of diving accidents. While the majority of cases are not related to an intraabdominal catastrophy, more than 20% have been the result of gastric rupture. We report a 42-yr-old male patient with massive pneumoperitoneum after scuba diving, who presented himself with dyspnea and abdominal distension. Knowledge of this rare condition and its benign course may allow the emergency physician and surgeon to order appropriate studies to help avoid unnecessary surgical treatment. It is important to determine promptly whether the air emanated from a ruptured viscus or was introduced from an extraperitoneal source. Free air in the abdomen does not always indicate a ruptured intra-abdominal viscus.
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
WPRIM (Pacífico Ocidental)
Assunto principal:
Pneumoperitônio
/
Radiografia Abdominal
/
Radiografia Torácica
/
Mergulho
Limite:
Adulto
/
Feminino
/
Humanos
/
Masculino
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Journal of Korean Medical Science
Ano de publicação:
2003
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
Similares
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS