A case of tension pneumoperitoneum in which Basic Life Support and prompt decompression was successful

A of We herein report on a case in which cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) was caused due to tension pneumoperitoneum during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the patient was successfully treated by carrying out prompt decompression. The patient was a 63-year-old male. He suffered from epigastralgia and had previously consulted another doc-tor. CPA took place during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and he was transported to our institute under cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Over-swelling of the jugular vein and abdominal distension were observed. He was diagnosed to have tension pneumoperitoneum, which occurred during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Tube drainage was carried out promptly. Soon after the treatment, his abdomen became flat and a return of spontaneous circulation was observed. He underwent an omental implantation repair and received intensive care after the surgery. The patient was discharged without any aftereffects. Tension pneumoperitoneum is a very rare disease and there are only a few reports on this occurrence. We should keep in mind that its occurrence requires a high degree of urgency. Moreover, a good prognosis may be possible by carrying out accurate BLS, making a timely diagnosis, and performing decompression promptly, even in cases of CPA.