Stomach perforation post cardiopulmonary resuscitation—A case report

INTRODUCTION: Stomach 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 CASE: We 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. DISCUSSION: The 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. CONCLUSION: A high degree of vigilance is required in patients presenting after a cardiac arrest and CPR.