In the differential diagnosis of free air beneath the diaphragm, most physicians consider perforation of a viscus, rupture of an intestinal gas cyst, or instillation of air into the abdominal cavity by means of previous operative, traumatic, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures.1 The purpose of this report is to present a case of postpartum pneumoperitoneum (PPP) and to discusse the pathogenesis and management of this disorder.
Report of a Case
A 31-year-old Negro housewife, gravida 2, para 2, was admitted to the Jefferson Davis Hospital on Jan. 2, 1962, because of pneumoperitoneum of uncertain etiology. Six weeks before admission the patient was delivered of a 7 lb. (about 3,175 gm.) girl. Four weeks before admission, she undertook knee-chest exercises which she performed each morning and evening. One week before admission, physical examination was normal except for a first degree cystourethrocele. Six days before admission, and approximately one hour after doing