Non Iatrogenic Colonic Barotrauma- A Case Report

Barotrauma is injury caused by high pressure. Colonic barotrauma can range from only mucosal injury to multiple perforations. Most common cause of colonic barotrauma is due to air insufflation during colonoscopy. Here, we are presenting the case of a 20- year-old young male working in a wheat flour packaging factory. He suffered sigmoid colon perforation as a result of non iatrogenic barotrauma. Sigmoid perforation was closed in two layers with diversion loop ileostomy created and seromuscular injuries repaired. Ileostomy was closed after three months. In this case, high pressure pipe was not inserted inside but directed from a distance. Machines used in the industries deliver compressed air at much higher pressure than the one required to perforate intestine. Such high pressure along with funnel like configuration of thighs, buttocks and perineum facilitates easy entry of air in the colon. Air can enter through anus even if the air hose is kept near it for few seconds without actually inserting inside. Thus, it is important to make workers aware of hazardous consequences of the machines used.