Intra-abdominal complications following prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation

A patient who underwent prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation developed an acute abdomen in the early post-arrest period which required laparotomy. Operative findings were of a perisplenic haematoma and infarction of the caecum. The latter has not previously been reported in this setting. A review of the literature reveals that many abdominal complications may occur following external cardiac massage. Difficulties in investigation and management are discussed.