Intraperitoneal explosion following gastric perforation

Scott K Mansfield; Roderick Borrowdale

doi:10.1016/j.asjsur.2012.09.002

Intraperitoneal explosion following gastric perforation

Asian J Surg. 2014 Apr;37(2):110-3. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2012.09.002. Epub 2012 Dec 12.

Authors

Scott K Mansfield¹, Roderick Borrowdale²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, Redcliffe Hospital, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: Scott_Mansfield@health.qld.gov.au.
² Department of Surgery, Redcliffe Hospital, Queensland, Australia.

PMID: 24703752
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2012.09.002

Abstract

The object of this study is to report a rare case of explosion during laparotomy where diathermy ignited intraperitoneal gas from a spontaneous stomach perforation. Fortunately, the patient survived but the surgeon experienced a finger burn. A literature review demonstrates other examples of intraoperative explosion where gastrointestinal gases were the fuel source. Lessons learned from these cases provide recommendations to prevent this potentially lethal event from occurring.

Keywords: gastrointestinal gases; intraoperative explosion; laparotomy; stomach perforation.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Aged
Burns / etiology
Electrocoagulation
Explosions*
Female
Gases*
General Surgery
Humans
Intraoperative Period
Operating Rooms
Stomach / injuries*

Substances

Gases