Cecum perforation secondary to plunger-induced barotrauma

Abstract Barotrauma to the colon and rectum is well documented, most commonly due to endoscopic complications. Here, we describe the unique case of a 56-year-old male presenting with peritonitis after self induced barotrauma to his colon following an attempt to alleviate 4-day obstipation with a toilet plunger. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a perforated and gangrenous right colon, which was promptly treated with an open right hemicolectomy and end-loop Prasad ileocolostomy. To our knowledge, this represents the first case of its kind and highlights the distinct pathology for colorectal barotrauma depending on the underlying mechanism of injury.