BURSTING THE BUBBLE: A CASE REPORT OF SIGMOID COLON PERFORATION CAUSED BY COMPRESSED AIR

Colonic perforations are typically attributed to various medical and surgical causes, but rare instances arise from unconventional incidents. This case report presents an unusual occurrence of sigmoid colon perforation resulting from exposure to compressed air. A 45-year-old male, with no history of gastrointestinal disorders, presented with sudden onset abdominal pain and signs of peritonitis. Upon investigation, a history of accidental exposure to high-pressure compressed air while working was revealed. Subsequent imaging and exploratory laparotomy confirmed a perforation in the sigmoid colon. The patient underwent surgical repair and had an uneventful postoperative recovery. This report highlights the potential dangers associated with non-medical uses of compressed air and emphasizes the importance of a thorough patient history in diagnosing uncommon etiologies of gastrointestinal perforations.