Barotrauma-induced Rectosigmoid Perforation Following Accidental High-pressure Compressed Air Insufflation: A Rare Case Report
- 1Department of General Surgery, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- 2Department of Academics, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
Colorectal barotrauma due to accidental high-pressure compressed air insufflation is rare. Prompt recognition and intervention are critical. In this report, we present a case of accidental anorectal insufflation of compressed air leading to hollow viscus perforation. Radiographs and computed tomography imaging demonstrated massive pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, dilated small bowel loops, and diffuse sigmoid wall edema. Emergency laparotomy revealed a 3 cm × 4 cm perforation at the rectosigmoid junction. A Hartmann’s procedure was performed with thorough peritoneal lavage and pelvic drainage. The patient recovered well postoperatively and was extubated on postoperative day 1 with full clinical stabilization achieved by day 4. In conclusion, high-pressure colorectal barotrauma can result in large perforations and massive extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal air leakage. Rapid imaging and emergent surgical intervention are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality. Hartmann’s procedure remains an effective management strategy with improved prognosis in patients with significant contamination and large colorectal perforations.
Related
- Pott's puffy tumour in a healthy adolescent following sinus barotrauma from underwater training.
- Aging, HIV Status, and Sex Differentially Influence Antiretroviral Therapy Disposition Pathways in Rectosigmoid Tissue and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
- Beyond the Larynx: New Insights Into Upper Airway Responses to Mechanical Insufflation–Exsufflation
- Severe Hypercapnia and Hemodynamic Instability During Carbon Dioxide Insufflation During Robot-Assisted Thoracic Surgery
- Multicenter Coronary Venous Carbon Dioxide Insufflation for Subxiphoid Epicardial Access in Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation.
BibTeX
@article{galam2026barotraumainduced,
title = {{Barotrauma-induced Rectosigmoid Perforation Following Accidental High-pressure Compressed Air Insufflation: A Rare Case Report}},
author = {Pushkar Galam and Viren Raj Nagarkar and Dakshyani Nirhale and Kishor Jeughale and Yasam Venkata Ramesh and Pavan Goud Pasham},
journal = {Annals of African Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.4103/aam.aam_315_26},
url = {https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_315_26},
note = {CC BY-NC-SA 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Barotrauma-induced Rectosigmoid Perforation Following Accidental High-pressure Compressed Air Insufflation: A Rare Case Report
AU - Pushkar Galam
AU - Viren Raj Nagarkar
AU - Dakshyani Nirhale
AU - Kishor Jeughale
AU - Yasam Venkata Ramesh
AU - Pavan Goud Pasham
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Annals of African Medicine
DO - 10.4103/aam.aam_315_26
UR - https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_315_26
AB - Colorectal barotrauma due to accidental high-pressure compressed air insufflation is rare. Prompt recognition and intervention are critical. In this report, we present a case of accidental anorectal insufflation of compressed air leading to hollow viscus perforation. Radiographs and computed tomography imaging demonstrated massive pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, dilated small bowel loops, and diffuse sigmoid wall edema. Emergency laparotomy revealed a 3 cm × 4 cm perforation at the rectosigmoid junction. A Hartmann’s procedure was performed with thorough peritoneal lavage and pelvic drainage. The patient recovered well postoperatively and was extubated on postoperative day 1 with full clinical stabilization achieved by day 4. In conclusion, high-pressure colorectal barotrauma can result in large perforations and massive extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal air leakage. Rapid imaging and emergent surgical intervention are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality. Hartmann’s procedure remains an effective management strategy with improved prognosis in patients with significant contamination and large colorectal perforations.
SN - 1596-3519
SN - 0975-5764
ER -