Gastric Perforation After Liquid Nitrogen Cocktail Ingestion: A Case Report

Liquid nitrogen is a compound widely used in the food industry, and in recent years, it has gained popularity in the preparation of beverages and cocktails. However, it is not an innocuous substance. Although reported cases of gastrointestinal tract injuries associated with its ingestion are few, awareness of its potential harmful effects is crucial to reach a timely diagnosis and treatment. This article aims to present the case of a 34-year-old male patient who, following the consumption of a beverage prepared with liquid nitrogen, suffered a gastric perforation and massive pneumoperitoneum, as evidenced by a plain abdominal CT scan. He required emergency surgical intervention, which was successfully performed via a laparoscopic approach. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day after tolerating a liquid diet.