Severe anorectal injury caused by a jet ski accident: report of a case

We report a case of severe anorectal injury caused by a jet ski accident. An 18-year-old girl riding on the back of a craft fell backward from the seat when the craft was suddenly accelerated. Her buttocks closely opposed the water jet nozzle of the craft as she entered the water. Afterward, she had severe perianal and abdominal pain. Two posterior anorectal tears were observed on physical examination. An abdominal CT scan revealed free air and ascites in the abdominal cavity and presacral space. A perforation of the anterior rectal wall was detected during an emergency operation. The perforated rectal wall and posterior sphincter muscles were sutured and a diverting sigmoid colostomy was made. She was discharged from our hospital 24 days after the surgery without any complication. Her diverting colostomy was closed six months later. Her anal function was almost perfectly preserved. Reports of severe traumatic injuries caused by jet ski accidents are increasing. Hence, wearing of a wet suit is recommended for not only the driver but also passengers during personal watercraft operation. Injury prevention education and government regulation for the drivers should also be considered to avoid traumatic injury from jet skis.