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Complications as a result of the Heimlich maneuver

Steven L Lee1, Stephen S Kim, Shant Shekherdimian

  • 1Department of Surgery, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA. Steven.L.Lee@kp.org

The Journal of Trauma
|March 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The Heimlich maneuver can cause rare but serious complications, including acute pancreatitis. Patients experiencing symptoms after the procedure require thorough medical evaluation.

Area of Science:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • The Heimlich maneuver is a standard emergency treatment for foreign body airway obstruction.
  • While effective, potential complications associated with this life-saving procedure are not widely recognized.

Observation:

  • This report reviews documented complications of the Heimlich maneuver from English-language literature.
  • A case of a healthy 3-year-old boy who developed acute pancreatitis and a pseudocyst after the Heimlich maneuver is presented.

Findings:

  • Complications of the Heimlich maneuver, though rare, can be significant.
  • The review identified various adverse events linked to the procedure.
  • The presented case highlights a rare but severe gastrointestinal complication.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential risks associated with the Heimlich maneuver.
  • Patients exhibiting symptoms post-Heimlich maneuver warrant comprehensive diagnostic workups, including laboratory tests and imaging.
  • Further research into the mechanisms and prevention of Heimlich maneuver complications may be beneficial.

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