Pneumoperitoneum in the ventilated infant

Pneumoperitoneum was diagnosed in a 3-month-old infant following bilateral diaphragmatic hernia repair. The patient was ventilated and treated for bilateral pneumothorax with underwater seal drainage. Percutaneous drainage of the pneumoperitoneum was carried out. Oxygen partial pressure in the drained air was used to determine the origin of the pneumoperitoneum, which could be lung or a perforated viscus. Continuation of the drainage over more than 24 h served to alleviate the added respiratory insult caused by abdominal distension. Continuous percutaneous peritoneal drainage can serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in selected patients. Offprint requests to: R. Udassin