Gastric rupture following bag-valve-mask ventilation

Bag-valve-mask ventilation is a frequently used, generally safe and effective method of oxygenating and ventilating patients who are unable to do so themselves. The common complications of aspiration, inability to oxygenate, and gastric dilatation are recognized fairly quickly, although not always easily remedied. We report a case of a much rarer complication: gastric rupture with pneumoperitoneum. Prompt recognition and surgical intervention help minimize adverse outcomes from complications such as tension pneumoperitoneum with shock, peritonitis, and sepsis.