Massive pneumoperitoneum following laser therapy of inoperable oesophageal carcinoma.

Two cases of large pneumoperitoneum are described following palliative laser therapy for inoperable oesophageal carcinoma. In both cases there was no constitutional upset and no perforation demonstrated on contrast examination of the oesophagus. The pneumoperitoneum is considered to be due to high pressure CO2, used to keep the tip of the laser clean, passing through the tumour and tracking into the peritoneum. The condition requires only conservative treatment.