Perforation of the sigmoid colon by hydrostatic pressure of a public water fountain

Abstract

A 39-year-old woman presented to the emergency department complaining of rectal bleeding and abdominal pain 7 h after sitting on a water display fountain. On examination, the abdomen was rigid, and the patient had a prolapsed rectum with rectal bleeding. A chest radiograph demonstrated free air. On emergent exploratory laparotomy, the patient had a perforated sigmoid colon at the rectosigmoid junction with gross abdominal soilage. The patient survived to hospital discharge. This case provides a review of the literature regarding hydrostatic injury to the colon and other self-induced colorectal perforations.