Gastric Perforation Because of Non-Invasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation: Review of Complications

Abstract

Abstract Background: Non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is a useful tool, especially for patients with respiratory failure. Although NIPPV is accepted now as harmless and comfortable treatment tools for patients, the associated equipment can induce a critical illness if expiratory pressure is not adjusted adequately. Case: A 23-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of severe abdominal pain. He had a history of congenital hypomyelination neuropathy. Because of respiratory insufficiency due to neuropathy, his doctor had prescribed NIPPV and increased end expiratory pressure three months earlier. Because abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed ascites and pneumoperitoneum indicating gastrointestinal perforation, emergent laparotomy was performed. Intra-operative findings showed a gastric perforation and hematoma at the gastric anterior walls. The patient recovered from post-operative bowel obstruction and was transferred to pediatrics on post-admission day 26. Conclusion:...