title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Farbin
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shockley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D003125:Colostomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006874:Hydrostatic Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery