Case Report
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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Nov 16, 2014; 6(11): 564-567
Published online Nov 16, 2014. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v6.i11.564
Symptomatic pneumatosis intestinalis (including portal venous gas) after laparoscopic total colectomy
Aneela Shah, Hazar Al Furajii, Ronan A Cahill
Aneela Shah, Hazar Al Furajii, Ronan A Cahill, Departments of Colorectal Surgery and Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont, Dublin 9, Ireland
Author contributions: All authors have made a substantial contribution to conception and design of this study and also to the acquisition and analysis and interpretation of data; all were involved in the article drafting and critical revision for important intellectual content and the final approval of the version to be published.
Correspondence to: Ronan A Cahill, Consultant Surgeon, Departments of Colorectal Surgery and Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Dublin 9, Ireland. cahillra@gmail.com
Telephone: +353-1-8093000 Fax: +353-1-8376982
Received: July 6, 2014
Revised: September 23, 2014
Accepted: October 23, 2014
Published online: November 16, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: The successful outcome of our patients with postoperative pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) indicates that a very individualized, nuanced management plan can allow a succesful course with conservative management. At all times it should be remembered that PI developing postoperatively is a radiographic sign rather than a specific diagnosis. It should be a factor in the decision-analysis related to clinical care and not the sole arbitrator.