Pneumoperitoneum

Abstract

The most common etiology of pneumoperitoneum, or air in the peritoneal cavity, is perforated viscus. The differential diagnosis is broad; however, of patients who exhibit free air on imaging studies, the most common causes are peptic ulcer disease and diverticulitis. The objectives of this chapter are to review the epidemiology, etiology and pathophysiology of the disease, along with diagnostic and treatment modalities for patients with pneumoperitoneum.