From the Journals
The Unexpected Risks of Liquid Nitrogen Ingestion
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By
February 9, 2026
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3 min
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1
Case of gastric perforation after liquid nitrogen ingestion.
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2
Patient presented with severe abdominal symptoms.
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3
Imaging revealed pneumoperitoneum.
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4
Laparoscopic surgery repaired a 3-cm stomach perforation.
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5
Awareness of cryogenic risks is crucial for prevention.
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6
No thermal burns were noted, possibly due to Leidenfrost effect.
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A case report presented a rare instance of gastric perforation in a 34-year-old man after consuming a liquid nitrogen-infused cocktail in Mexico. He exhibited severe abdominal pain, hypotension, and other alarming symptoms. Imaging revealed massive pneumoperitoneum indicative of a hollow viscus perforation. Emergency surgery confirmed a 3-cm stomach perforation which was effectively repaired laparoscopically. The incident underscores the potential dangers of liquid nitrogen ingestion, highlighting the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the public.
-
1
Case of gastric perforation after liquid nitrogen ingestion.
-
2
Patient presented with severe abdominal symptoms.
-
3
Imaging revealed pneumoperitoneum.
-
4
Laparoscopic surgery repaired a 3-cm stomach perforation.
-
5
Awareness of cryogenic risks is crucial for prevention.
-
6
No thermal burns were noted, possibly due to Leidenfrost effect.
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