Needle Decompression of Tension Pneumoperitoneum: A Case Report

Introduction: Tension pneumoperitoneum is rarely encountered in the emergency department but can have disastrous effects on the body when it is. However, an emergency physician has skills that can be readily applied to needle decompress the abdomen for rapid stabilization. Case Report: A 42-year-old male arrived via ambulance after a likely overdose with mental status improvement following naloxone administration. He was found to be in respiratory distress due to a rigid, distended abdomen that required intubation for stabilization. Computed tomography imaging showed significant pneumoperitoneum with tension physiology. Surgery consultation was unable to intervene immediately, and needle decompression with an angiocatheter was performed at the bedside with immediate ventilatory improvement. Conclusion: Tension pneumoperitoneum is a rare but potentially disastrous consequence of overdose secondary to emesis and rupture of the gastric wall. Needle decompression is a skillset already in the emergency physician’s toolbox and can be applied for emergency stabilization of a tension pneumoperitoneum with proper forethought and technique.

A rare case of tension pneumoperitoneum secondary to gastric perforation associated with severe aortic compression

A 36-year-old male was critically unwell with acute central abdominal pain and distension. CT demonstrated severe pneumoperitoneum leading to compression and total occlusion of the inferior vena cava and occlusion of the aorta. At laparotomy a perforated posterior gastric ulcer was found with four quadrant contamination. A damage control procedure was performed and a re-look laparotomy was carried out two days later where bowel ischaemia was found. Despite being supported on the intensive care unit, unfortunately the patient died. Tension pneumoperitoneum leading to occlusion of the aorta is very rare and the severity of this condition should be recognised; it has never been survived in the reported literature. Rapid assessment and investigation is essential to ensure the timely treatment of this disease.

Tension Pneumoperitoneum Following Attempted Pneumatic Reduction of Intussusception

Tension pneumoperitoneum is a life-threatening complication of pneumatic reduction for intussusception if not immediately recognized and treated. We describe a 3-month-old woman who presented with intussusception, underwent attempted pneumatic reduction, and subsequently developed tension pneumoperitoneum with associated hemodynamic instability requiring emergent laparotomy. This is a known, rare complication of pneumatic reduction which highlights the need to have a high index of suspicion for early surgical management to obtain a positive outcome.

Tension pneumoperitoneum following upper endoscopy

Perforation of the digestive tract is a rare complication of endoscopy. Massive accumulation of air within the peritoneum resulting in the abdominal compartment syndrome is much less common with <20 cases reported. In this report we present a case of jejunal perforation during an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy that resulted in tension physiology with mesenteric ischemia, severe acidosis, renal failure, coagulopathy and massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The patient had a sudden onset of shock as soon as her abdomen was decompressed, indicating that she possibly developed a reperfusion injury. She did not respond to resuscitative efforts and ultimately died.

Diagnosis and management of iatrogenic endoscopic perforations: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Position Statement – Update 2020

Summary of Recommendations 1 ESGE recommends that each center implements a written policy regarding the management of iatrogenic perforations, including the definition of procedures that carry a higher risk of this complication. This policy should be shared with the radiologists and surgeons at each center. 2 ESGE recommends that in the case of an endoscopically identified perforation, the endoscopist reports its size and location, with an image, and statement of the endoscopic treatment that has been applied. 3 ESGE recommends that symptoms or signs suggestive of iatrogenic perforation after an endoscopic procedure should be rapidly and carefully evaluated and documented with a computed tomography (CT) scan. 4 ESGE recommends that endoscopic closure should be considered depending on the type of the iatrogenic perforation, its size, and the endoscopist expertise available at the center. Switch to carbon dioxide (CO2) endoscopic insufflation, diversion of digestive luminal content, and decompression of tension pneumoperitoneum or pneumothorax should also be performed. 5 ESGE recommends that after endoscopic closure of an iatrogenic perforation, further management should be based on the estimated success of the endoscopic closure and on the general clinical condition of the patient. In the case of no or failed endoscopic closure of an iatrogenic perforation, and in patients whose clinical condition is deteriorating, hospitalization and surgical consultation are recommended.