Ruptured Stomach After Heimlich Maneuver
- 27 October 1975
- journal article
- case report
- Published by American Medical Association (AMA) in JAMA
- Vol. 234 (4) , 415
- https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1975.03260170051026
Abstract
APPLYING sharp force to the abdomen just below the diaphragm, as described by Heimlich,1 has been widely published as a life-saving measure. A considerable number of lives,2 including that of the patient in this report, have undoubtedly been saved by persons who have read about this technique. The forceful, sudden pressure applied by the quick upward push on the epigastrium can often expel the life-threatening plug of food. To date, no serious complications resulting from this maneuver have been reported. According to Heimlich (personal communication), fractured ribs seem to have been the only significant problem, and they have been rare. The case we are reporting involved a far more serious complication. Report of a Case A 74-year-old man was attending a club banquet, when he suddenly appeared to be choking and lost consciousness. An alert companion used the Heimlich maneuver, and a large piece of meat was expelled.Keywords
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