Pneumoperitoneum

Case contributed by Sarmad Aslam
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Abdominal pain post laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Unknown

Chest

x-ray

Free gas under right delineating right hemidiaphragm from the liver.

Crescent-shaped free gas under the left hemidiaphragm.

Lungs clear.

Case Discussion

The erect chest x-ray is very sensitive in picking up pneumoperitoneum which is a common postoperative complication, especially after laparoscopic procedures.

Be cautious when reporting to ensure you have reviewed any prior imaging or clinical information.  It is not uncommon for no mention of a recent procedure on the requesting information.

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