title: Giant faecaloma causing perforation of the rectum presented as a subcutaneous emphysema, pneumoperitoneum and pneumomediastinum: a case report.
abstract: Constipation with faecal impaction is a common condition, which may lead to serious potential complications. Among such complications, stercoral perforation has been rarely reported in the literature. We report a single case of 75-year-old woman, with a massive faecal impaction, which resulted in a rectum perforation, presented as a pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. We present this case to remind physicians that neglected accumulation of faecal matter in the rectum may lead to ischemia and perforation of the colon and rectum. This case illustrates that severe chronic constipation requires adequate management, including disimpaction and aggressive medical treatment. Appropriate operative treatment may be life-saving.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Management, Gurutzeta Hospital, Basque Health Service, Gurutzetako enparantza z.g., Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain. eunatea@telefonica.net
authors.forename: Eunate
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Arana-Arri
authors.forename: Haritz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cortés
authors.forename: Valentin
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cabriada
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lekerika
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: García-Verdugo
authors.forename: Liana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shengelia-Shapiro
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005244:Fecal Impaction / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012007:Rectum / Q000293:injuries*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis*