Effective Laparoscopy to Diagnose Early Widespread Colon Injury by Compressed Air—A Case Report—

Abstract

Here we report a case of a widespread colon injury by compressed air. A 33-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital. He complained of severe abdominal pain and hematochezia immediately after accidental blowing of compressed air into his anus at his workplace. Computed tomography showed no intraperitoneal free air and slight intestinal emphysema at the splenic flexure. Laparoscopic surgery for observation was performed. Widespread colon injury became evident ; therefore, the surgery was converted to laparotomy. We noted multiple seromuscular lacerations and subserosal hemorrhages, but no perforations. The injury was repaired and an ileostomy was performed. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment resulted in good prognosis.