Halil Beydilli1, Yasemin Balci2, Melike Erbas3, Ethem Acar1, Sahin Isik2, Bulent Savran3

1Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, 48000 Mugla, Turkey
2Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
3Ministry of Justice, The Forensic Branch Manager of Forensic Medicine Institute of Mugla, Mugla, Turkey

Keywords: Resuscitation complications; Emergency service; Liver laceration; Autopsy

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is recognized as a medical procedure performed to maintain vital functions of a person whose cardiac and respiratory functions have stopped. Chest compression is the most essential component of CPR and it is performed on the lower half of the sternum. During CPR, many complications may occur because of chest compressions, especially chest injuries including sternum and rib fractures. Rarely tracheal injury, rupture of the stomach, or liver or spleen injury may also occur as complications.

In this study, we present two cases of liver injury caused by resuscitation. With this article, we want to emphasize the importance of making correct chest compressions.