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.
Keywords: gastrointestinal surgery; peritonitis rectal perforation.
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