Pneumoperitoneum Following Percutaneous Biliary Intervention: Not Necessarily a Cause for Alarm

Journal Article · Sat Mar 15 00:00:00 EDT 2008 · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S00270-007-9252-X· OSTI ID:21090622

Laasch, Hans-Ulrich ^[1]; Valle, Juan W ^[2]

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1. Christie Hospital, Department of Radiology (United Kingdom)
2. Christie Hospital, Department of Medical Oncology (United Kingdom)

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is a well-established technique for assessing and treating obstructive jaundice. Plastic and self-expanding metal stents can be deployed as an alternative when ERCP is not feasible or hilar strictures require an antegrade approach. Complication rates of percutaneous procedures are low, and are usually related to bile leakage or hemorrhage; pneumoperitoneum following PTC is rare and is usually taken to indicate bowel perforation. We describe two cases of pneumoperitoneum without peritonitis following PTC and stenting, both of which resolved spontaneously with conservative management. The literature is reviewed and possible causes discussed.

• OSTI ID: 21090622
• Journal Information: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Vol. 31, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1007/s00270-007-9252-x; Copyright (c) 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0174-1551
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BILE
BILIARY TRACT
DIAGNOSIS
HEMORRHAGE
JAUNDICE
METALS
PERITONITIS