Benign pneumoperitoneum following median sternotomy incision.

Published

Journal Article

Because of the close anatomic relationship of the pericardium, diaphragm, and peritoneal cavity, a benign pneumoperitoneum may occur following median sternotomy incision and cardiac surgery. The pneumoperitoneum results from inadvertent opening of the peritoneal cavity during the initial surgical incision or during the subsequent cardiac surgery. It is generally of no significance to the patient, although it must be distinguished from pneumoperitoneum occuring secondary to intraabdominal pathology or to retrograde dissection of extraalveolar air in patients on ventilatory support. Two illustrative cases are presented.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Glanz, S; Ravin, CE; Deren, MM

Published Date

  • August 1, 1978

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 131 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 267 - 269

PubMed ID

  • 98006

Pubmed Central ID

  • 98006

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0361-803X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.2214/ajr.131.2.267

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States