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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
11:56
Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response
Published on: November 12, 2014
[Stomach rupture while diving]
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|June 8, 1985
Summary
A scuba diver experienced stomach rupture due to swallowed air expanding during ascent. This rare but serious condition, gastric perforation, requires immediate surgical repair for a positive outcome.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Diving Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Scuba divers may experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms due to swallowed air expanding during ascent.
- This phenomenon, known as decompression of swallowed air, is a common occurrence in diving.
Observation:
- A rare case of stomach rupture (gastric perforation) occurred in a 47-year-old scuba diver.
- The patient presented with symptoms indicative of significant GI distress.
Findings:
- Gastric perforation is an uncommon but critical complication of swallowed air decompression during scuba diving.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential for managing this rare condition.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of recognizing rare but severe GI complications in divers.
- Emphasizes the need for timely surgical repair in cases of gastric perforation.
- Underscores the potential risks associated with air swallowing during scuba diving.
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