Case ReportStomach perforation post cardiopulmonary resuscitation-A case report

- Stomach perforation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation is rare.
- CPR performed by non-medical personnel is the main cause.
- Training of medical and non-medical persons in CPR is to be encouraged.
- Correct management of airway during CPR is important.
- High degree of vigilance is required in patients presenting after CPR.

IntroductionStomach perforation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a rare finding. This is mainly caused by incorrect management of the airway during CPR performed by non-medical personnel.Presentation of caseWe report a case of 72 year old female who sustained a stomach perforation during prolonged CPR in an out of hospital arrest situation. This was diagnosed on a computed tomography scan of the abdomen requiring midline laparotomy and a primary repair of the stomach.DiscussionThe training of medical and non-medical persons in cardiopulmonary resuscitation is to be encouraged. However it should be emphasized that any technique which breaches the normal integrity of the body can itself lead to life-threatening complications.ConclusionA high degree of vigilance is required in patients presenting after a cardiac arrest and CPR.