Intraperitoneal explosion following gastric perforation

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