Work

Idiopathic benign pneumoperitoneum: a case series

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pneumoperitoneum is most commonly associated with hollow viscus perforation and represents a surgical emergency. However, a subset of cases, termed benign pneumoperitoneum, occur without visceral perforation and can often be managed conservatively. Idiopathic cases remain particularly rare, with few reports in the literature. We present a retrospective case series of three patients from three tertiary care hospitals with idiopathic benign pneumoperitoneum. All patients were hemodynamically stable at presentation, with imaging demonstrating intraperitoneal free air and no clinical signs of sepsis. Management strategies included laparotomy in one patient, laparoscopy in another, and observation in the third. This series adds to the limited reports on idiopathic benign pneumoperitoneum and supports conservative management in carefully selected patients, while acknowledging the difficulties with clinical decision making. Awareness of this rare entity may help avoid unnecessary operative intervention. Serial clinical assessment and close observation are important considerations in management of this unique patient population.

Source: Journal of Surgical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjag345

Authors: Dexter J Choi, Ishita Aggarwal, Nicholas James, Sameer Apte, Amy A Neville, Gregory I Sigler

Institutions: University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, Emphysema

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000