Pneumatic colonic rupture accompanied by tension pneumoperitoneum

Rupture of the colon caused by high pressure compressed air is a rare, unique and traumatic intra-abdominal injury. As the use of compressed air in industrial work has increased, so has the risk of associated pneumatic injuries from its improper use. Recently we experienced a case of pneumatic rupture of the sigmoid colon accompanied by tension pneumoperitoneum, which caused respiratory distress. The patient's respiration was very rapid with the rate of 44 breaths per minute. On arterial blood gas analysis, pH was 7.40, pO2 68 mmHg, pCO2 44 mmHg, and SaO2 90%. Chest X-ray film showed marked pneumoperitoneum and an elevated diaphragm. The respiratory distress was severe and required immediate relief by emergency decompression peritoneocentesis before surgical intervention consisting of the serosal tear repair, colonic rupture colostomy and abdominal cavity irrigation. A follow up operation 2 months later for colostomy repair completed the patient's recovery.