Delayed post-operative pneumoperitoneum.

We present a case of post-operative pneumoperitoneum (PP), which persisted for eight weeks. Postoperative retained air is the most common cause of PP. It does not require a surgical intervention and thus is defined as a 'non-surgical PP'. The etiological factors contributing to the duration of the postoperative PP are controversial but the longest time described in the literature is 24 days. We review the relevant literature and discuss factors contributing to the duration of postoperative PP. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel