Citation

Im DD, Pak PS, Cua B, Feinberg E. J. Emerg. Med. 2011; 42(5): 540-542.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.05.049

PMID

21856110

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A non-surgical etiology accounts for approximately 10% of cases of pneumoperitoneum. However, in the patient with pneumoperitoneum, one must be suspicious of the less common non-surgical etiologies, including coitus, to avoid unnecessary laparotomy. OBJECTIVES: To report a case of pneumoperitoneum caused by coitus during sexual assault in a patient who had a hysterectomy 30 years ago. CASE REPORT: The authors present a case of non-surgical pneumoperitoneum after sexual assault occurring over 30 years after abdominal hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: This case is an important reminder that a thorough sexual and gynecologic/obstetrical history is an essential tool in identifying the patient who does not require laparotomy.

Language: en