26 hours ago · CONCLUSION: Diagnostic laparoscopy may be a useful option for definitively ruling out the lethal conditions associated with pneumatosis intestinalis in frail elderly patients with severe conditions in the emergency setting. PMCID: PMC5567747 PMID: 28861268. Publication Types: Case Reports >> Go To The Portal
Pneumatosis intestinalis is rare but may be associated with life-threatening intra-abdominal conditions such as intestinal ischemia or perforation. However, it can be difficult, particularly in the very elderly, to identify candidates for immediate surgical intervention.
Diagnostic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, making it especially useful in frail elderly patients with severe conditions in the emergency setting. It is an accurate method of diagnosing life-threatening forms of PI. If there is the slightest doubt as to the presence of a serious condition in an elderly patient in relatively good overall health, diagnostic laparoscopy may be a useful option for definitively ruling out the lethal conditions associated with PI since they are at high risk of a fatal outcome if surgical intervention is delayed.