Tension pneumoperitoneum complicating cardiac resuscitation

A case of gastric rupture and tension pneumonperitoneum following cardiac resuscitation is presented. Respiratory embarrassment necessitated emergency decompression by needle puncture of the peritoneal cavity, followed by laparotomy and repair of the gastric tear. The post-operative course has been satisfactory. The aetiology of the gastric rupture is discussed and recommendations are made for the prevention and treatment of this unusual complication of combined mouth to mouth respiration and external cardiac massage.