Rectal perforation by compressed air

Pneumoperitoneum, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum with massive subcutaneous emphysema: A rare presentation following transanal colonic barotrauma

Iatrogenic colonic barotrauma is a well-documented entity, mostly due to endoscopic procedures. Compressed air pressure colorectal injury is less frequent, and the exact mechanism is not defined clearly to date. We present our experience of managing high transanal barotrauma to the colorectum in two similar cases presented with massive pneumoperitoneum, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum, a rare presentation in emergency departments, with an accident being the common etiology, where both the patients presented with massive abdominal distension and respiratory distress with diffuse subcutaneous emphysema. A huge amount of gas was noted in the peritoneal cavity on radiographs; the FAST examination was inconclusive and attributed to emphysema impeding the diagnosis. A big gush of air was noted during temporary pneumoperitoneum decompression and laparotomy. Multiple seromuscular tears with perforation in the transverse colon were identified and primarily repaired in the first patient, and the second one had perforation at the rectosigmoid junction, which was brought out as a stoma. The restoration of the stoma was done after ensuring adequate anal tone, with both patients doing well in the follow-up period.

A case of tension pneumoperitoneum with fecal peritonitis due to high-pressure air insufflation through the anus

Key Clinical Message

The reckless or ridiculous usage of high pressure compressed air could lead to disastrous consequences as demonstrated in this case. Injuries from a barotrauma can vary from a simple mucosal laceration to tension pneumoperitoneum causing abdominal compartment syndrome. Decompression by a wide-bore needle can be done as depicted in our patient to provide immediate relief.

Abstract

Rectal perforation most commonly occurs due to trauma, but rarely due to a high pressure compressed air passing through the anus as a part of playful joke. Owing to the belief of medico-legal issues and socio-psychological circumstances about the ano-rectal injury, initial approach to the medical facilities might be delayed, causing a delayed presentation and poor prognosis. We report an incident of a young male who presented with tension pneumoperitoneum causing abdominal compartment syndrome with fecal peritonitis due to forceful passing of high-pressure air through his anus. An initial decompression of the abdomen with a wide-bore needle was done at the emergency room. An emergency laparotomy with a primary repair of the rectal perforation by two layered sutures was done followed by a loop colostomy, 10 cm proximal to the injury. Colostomy closure was performed after 4 weeks. Post-operative recovery period was uneventful.

A case of transanal barotrauma by high-pressure compressed air leading to transverse colon perforation with extensive colon serosal tear

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Compressed air is used to apply paint, wash vehicles or machines, and remove water droplets after washing the precision instrument. Barotrauma due to high-pressure compressed air is extremely rare.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of transverse colon perforation caused by a compressed air gun in a 20-year-old male. He used a compressed air machine to dust after work, and a coworker inserted compressed air transanally as a joke. Although he returned home once, he consulted a former hospital with worsening abdominal pain. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed a massive amount of free air. The patient was admitted to our hospital. The patient underwent emergency surgery. Transverse colon perforation with extensive serosal tears and massive air bubbles inside the omental bursa were observed. Double-barrel colostomy using transverse colon perforation point for decompression and diverting the stoma at the ileum end was performed with serosal tear repair and abdominal cleaning drainage. Four months after the surgery, the patient underwent colostomy and diverting stoma closure.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The management of colon injury due to compressed air has two aspects: tension pneumoperitoneum and colon injury. The initial management of tension pneumoperitoneum is converted to open pneumoperitoneum and early emergency operation for colon injury is recommended as soon as full-thickness perforation is diagnosed.

CONCLUSION

Transanal high-pressure compressed air can cause lethal situations, and we encountered a similar case that required surgical intervention.

Colorectal barotrauma following compressed air spray to the perineum

Colorectal injuries caused by high-pressure air compressors are rare and reported especially among industrial workers. They may appear because of intended or accidental injury. In the present paper, we report a case of colorectal injuries due to air insufflation from a distance towards the anus with the clothes on, as a means of a practical joke. The patient presented one day after the trauma to the Emergency Department with complaints of severe abdominal pain and vomiting. On examination, he had signs of peritonitis. A computed tomography (CT) scan did not show any perforation. Emergency laparotomy was performed with the suspicion of pneumatic pressure-induced lesions. A total resection of the colon was made with enterostomy. The pathologic examination of the resected piece revealed multiple gangrenous areas without perforation associated to signs of peritonitis. Follow up was uneventful. A reversal of the enterostomy was scheduled.

A Case of Pneumatic Rectal Perforation Caused by Compressed Air

Rectal perforation is a rare cause of acute abdomen. The most common cause of rectal perforation is trauma. Barotrauma due to the injection of compressed air in the rectum is an extremely rare cause of rectal perforation. We report a case of extensive pneumoperitoneum with abdominal compartment syndrome caused by rectal perforation secondary to the forceful injection of compressed air through the perineum. The patient was successfully managed by immediate relief of abdominal compartment syndrome by needle decompression followed by surgical repair of rectal perforation.

Pneumatic Colorectal Injury Caused by High Pressure Compressed Air

The pneumatic colorectal injury caused by high pressure compressed air are rare and can be fatal. Herein, we present a case of 45-year-old male who developed sudden onset of severe abdominal pain after cleaning the dust on his pants with high pressure compressed air gun dust cleaner. Emergent exploratory laparotomy was done which findings are a huge rectal perforation with multiple serosal and subserosal tear in sigmoid to splenic flexure of colon. Anterior resection with left hemicolectomy, and temporary transverse colostomy was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful. Recently, prognosis is generally favorable because of prompt diagnosis and emergent surgical management.

Cecum perforation secondary to plunger-induced barotrauma

Barotrauma to the colon and rectum is well documented, most commonly due to endoscopic complications. Here, we describe the unique case of a 56-year-old male presenting with peritonitis after self induced barotrauma to his colon following an attempt to alleviate 4-day obstipation with a toilet plunger. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a perforated and gangrenous right colon, which was promptly treated with an open right hemicolectomy and end-loop Prasad ileocolostomy. To our knowledge, this represents the first case of its kind and highlights the distinct pathology for colorectal barotrauma depending on the underlying mechanism of injury.