Application of Transabdominal Pneumoperitoneum in Sex-Endocrine Problems of Children

Abstract

Early diagnosis of sex-endocrine disorders is important in order to plan effective management. When detailed physical examination and laboratory studies have proved to be inconclusive, transabdominal pneumoperitoneum may help to establish the diagnosis and eliminate the need for laparotomy. This procedure is especially valuable in diagnosing sex-endocrine disturbances in children because of the difficulty in performing a pelvic examination in these patients.

The technic of transabdominal pneumoperitoneum consists of introducing a measured amount of carbon dioxide or oxygen into the peritoneal cavity and then visualizing roentgenographically the outline of the pelvic viscera. A number of normal infants as well as children with various sex-endocrine disturbances have been studied by this technic.