Protective Ileostomy Complicated by Diffuse Pneumatosis Intestinalis of the Gastroenteritic Tract: A Case Report

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) with portal venous gas (PVG) are unusual gas in the bowel wall and hepatic portal venous system. They are rare conditions and usually mean ischemia bowel disease. Therefore, abdominal surgery (such as exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery) is highly suggested for both examination and treatment effect. A 47-year-old woman here underwent low colorectal surgery with protective ileostomy. Diffuse PI and portal venous gas were found at postoperative day 9. The non-operative therapy was done and she was discharged without abnormal abdominal lesions 12 days after admission. That PI could be ileostomy-stimulated was proved herein. Additionally, conservative treatment alone could be considered alternative on account of likely lesion resolution.