Robot-Assisted Diagnostic Laparoscopy: A Safe and Feasible Adjunct to the Management of Massive Spontaneous Pneumoperitoneum

Pneumoperitoneum is the abnormal presence of free air in the peritoneal cavity. Oftentimes, it is a surgical emergency requiring exploratory laparotomy as most cases of pneumoperitoneum are due to perforated hollow viscus. However, not all pneumoperitoneum cases are surgical; nonsurgical pneumoperit...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Qingwen Kawaji, Sami Shoucair, Ali Darehzereshki, Alain Abdo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2023-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Surgery
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2023/4722333
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Summary:Pneumoperitoneum is the abnormal presence of free air in the peritoneal cavity. Oftentimes, it is a surgical emergency requiring exploratory laparotomy as most cases of pneumoperitoneum are due to perforated hollow viscus. However, not all pneumoperitoneum cases are surgical; nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum can arise from thoracic, abdominal, gynecologic, and other causes. We present a case of a 35-year-old male who developed a non-surgical pneumoperitoneum in the setting of drug overdose. The patient underwent robot-assisted diagnostic laparoscopy without findings of perforation or other pathology. Resolution of pneumoperitoneum was evidenced on follow-up computed tomography scan. This case emphasizes the importance of diagnostic laparoscopy in the setting of a confusing clinical picture and the feasibility of utilizing the robotic approach in hemodynamically stable patients.
ISSN:2090-6919