Pneumoperitoneum after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: frequency and duration as seen on upright chest radiographs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the frequency and duration of pneumoperitoneum after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as detected on upright chest radiographs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-five patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were studied prospectively. Upright posteroanterior chest radiographs were obtained 6 hr after surgery (day 1); additional radiographs were obtained on days 2, 4, 7, and 14, if required, until the pneumoperitoneum resolved. A perpendicular measurement of any pneumoperitoneum detected between the diaphragm and the liver was obtained. The pneumoperitoneum was graded as absent, trace (1-5 mm), mild (6-10 mm), or moderate (10-15 mm).

RESULTS

No evidence of pneumoperitoneum was seen on chest radiographs taken 6 hr after surgery (day 1) in 27 (54%) of the 50 patients who completed the study. Of the remaining 23 patients (46%), all but one showed resolution of the pneumoperitoneum in the first week. Of these 23 patients, 17 showed trace pneumoperitoneum and six showed mild pneumoperitoneum on chest radiographs.

CONCLUSION

Despite the use of carbon dioxide gas during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a significant number of patients have postsurgery pneumoperitoneum that is visible on upright chest radiographs. The pneumoperitoneum resolves in most patients within the first week after surgery.