A Rare Case of Pneumoperitoneum due to Perforation at Tip of Appendix

Abstract

Pneumoperitoneum caused by a perforated appendix is extremely rare. We encountered a case of a 24 years old male presented in the emergency department of EAST surgical ward of MAYO Hospital Lahore with a history of epigastric pain for 10 days, which later became generalized. Chest X-ray showed free air under the right hemidiaphragm. On the basis of clinical examination and radiological correlations diagnosis of duodenal ulcer perforation was made. On exploration of abdomen through midline incision it was found to be a perforated appendix at its tip. The body and base of the appendix was normal. No per operative and postoperative complications were encountered and the patient discharged on the second postoperative day. Biopsy of appendix showed acute inflammation of appendix.

Keywords

• Perforation
• Appendix
• Pneumoperitoneu