Pancreatic Transection as a Complication of the Heimlich Maneuver: Case Report and Literature Review

Incarcerated diaphragmatic hernia following Heimlich maneuver

“…The increased abdominal or thoracic pressure applied during HM may lead to multiple complications, as summarized in Table 1. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Ours is the second reported case of a diaphragmatic hernia resulting from HM. 19 This patient's hospital course was complicated by multiple surgeries, intubations, and overall functional decline.…”

A hero's woe: rotator cuff tear after performing the Heimlich manoeuvre

“…A significant number of reports exist documenting potentially life-threatening intra-abdominal injuries sustained by the choking victim. Among others, such reported injuries include dissection and rupture of the aorta,4 hepatic rupture,5 transection of the pancreas6 and gastric rupture 7. Patients who remain symptomatic following the Heimlich manoeuvre should be medically assessed and possibly investigated with laboratory and radiological tests 8…”

Fatal Splenic Rupture Following Heimlich Maneuver

“…The force should be confined to the rescuer's hands and adjusted based on the body size of the victim, with more force in an obese person and less force in a small child. 6 If performed correctly, this lifesaving maneuver is associated with rare complications, of which the most frequent are rib fractures and gastric or esophagus perforation. 6Y9…”