Complications of Pneumoperitoneum Therapy

¹ The New York City Municipal Sanatorium, Otisville, New York (one of the institutions of the Department of Hospitals of New York City).

We have outlined the complications which have occurred in a large sanatorium group of patients treated with pneumoperitoneum. Our observations have been limited to the institutional phase of treatment. The number and incidence of complications would probably be greater if postsanatorium follow-up had been included. There is no question about the value of pneumoperitoneum in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. It has a popularity that is well deserved. However, this study has shown that there are many associated complications. Some of them are mild but others are serious. Pneumoperitoneum is, therefore, a procedure that should not be recommended lightly as treatment that is without hazard. Before it is induced the indications should be carefully considered and the reason for its use should be important.