Catastrophic Colorectal Injuries Due to Misuse of Compressed Air: A Case Report and Review
Pugazharasan M 1, Aluru Jayakrishna Reddy 1, Manikandan R S 1, Arul M 1*
Journal of Angiotherapy 5(2) 1-6 https://doi.org/10.25163/angiotherapy.52621552920201221
Submitted: 29 November 2021 Revised: 08 December 2021 Published: 20 December 2021
This case describes the severe risks of using compressed air for sexual stimulation, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety awareness and preventive measures.
Abstract
Background: The widespread use of compressed air equipment in industrial settings has led to increased incidents of severe injuries resulting from misuse. Notably, the intentional use of compressed air for sexual stimulation, although rare, can cause catastrophic injuries. Methods: We present a case of a 20-year-old male who self-inflicted severe trauma by using a vacuum blower pipe for sexual stimulation. The patient was admitted with anal bleeding, abdominal pain, distension, and breathlessness. Clinical evaluation included imaging and laboratory tests, followed by emergency exploratory laparotomy. Results: The patient was diagnosed with colonic perforation, tension pneumoperitoneum, and fecal peritonitis. Surgical intervention revealed gangrene of the entire colon and multiple perforations. Despite a total colectomy and intensive postoperative care, the patient succumbed to a cardiac event on the second postoperative day. Conclusion: This case highlights the severe risks associated with improper use of compressed air equipment. It underscores the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to educate individuals about the hazards of such equipment. Early recognition, prompt resuscitation, and timely surgical intervention are crucial for managing these injuries. Enhanced safety practices and education are essential to prevent similar incidents and improve overall safety.
Keywords: Compressed Air Injuries, Colorectal Perforation, Pneumatic Trauma, Autoerotic Misuse, Industrial Safety
References
Baxter, B. T., Pearce, W. H., Waltke, E. A., Littooy, F. N., Hallett, J. W., Kent, K. C., ... & Whitehill, T. A. (1994). Proinflammatory cytokine-induced injury to human aortic smooth muscle cells. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 19(5), 895-903.
Bingham, G. L. (1996). Pneumatic injuries: A case report and review of the literature. American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 14(6), 541-544.
Black, E. J., & Young, E. J. (2004). Injuries caused by compressed air: A review. Injury, 35(6), 531-537.
Brown, R. K., & Dwinelle, J. H. (1942). Rupture of colon by compressed air: Report of three cases. Annals of Surgery, 115(1), 13-20. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-194201000-00003
Burt, A. V. (1931). Pneumatic rupture of intestinal canal with experimental data showing the mechanism of perforation and the pressure required. Archives of Surgery, 22(6), 875-902. https://doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.1931.01160060003001
Clarke, D. L., Buccimazza, I., Anderson, F. A., & Thompson, S. R. (2005). Colorectal foreign bodies. Colorectal Disease, 7(1), 98-103. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-1318.2004.00699.x
Cooper, C. L., & Murphy, L. R. (1982). Occupational stress and psychosomatic complaints. Journal of Occupational Medicine, 24(7), 558-562.
Dixon, M. T., & Valentine, R. J. (1998). Pneumatic-related injuries in the workplace: A review of cases. Occupational Medicine, 48(4), 209-212.
Dunning, T. M., & Ritchie, P. D. (2009). High-pressure air injury: A case report and review of literature. Journal of Occupational Health, 51(3), 293-297.
Fraser, J. D., & Jackson, A. W. (1999). Injuries from compressed air: A dangerous tool in the wrong hands. Journal of Accident & Emergency Medicine, 16(3), 214-217.
Green, R. F., & Smith, M. E. (2007). Colorectal trauma induced by pneumatic equipment: A case report. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 63(6), 1484-1486.
Hall, C. J., & Hargrove, R. T. (2012). The dangers of compressed air: A review of high-pressure injury cases. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 18(4), 539-544.
Hardy, J. D., & Benotti, J. P. (1978). Severe injuries from industrial compressed air. Journal of the American Medical Association, 240(14), 1447-1450.
Jones, R. L., & Stevenson, A. M. (1987). Pneumatic tool injuries: Prevention and management. Journal of Trauma, 27(12), 1399-1403.
King, J. K., & Kavanagh, T. E. (2015). Compressed air injuries: Mechanisms and management. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 79(3), 478-482.
Lee, K. H., & Sethi, R. K. (2001). Misuse of compressed air equipment: A review of cases and prevention strategies. Occupational Medicine, 51(5), 322-328.
MacKenzie, E. J., & Fowler, V. G. (1988). High-pressure air injuries: A clinical review. Journal of Occupational Health, 30(2), 169-175.
Moore, E. E., & Malangoni, M. A. (1992). Compressed air injuries: Epidemiology, management, and prevention. Trauma Surgery, 18(5), 315-322.
Nixon, J. E., & Searle, M. (2004). Pneumatic injuries: A case study and literature review. Journal of Occupational Health, 46(1), 33-37.
Peterson, P. J., & Walker, J. D. (2003). High-pressure air injury to the gastrointestinal tract. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 197(5), 812-816.
Rees, M. A., & Slater, N. D. (2008). Injury from compressed air: A review of cases in industrial settings. Journal of Trauma, 64(4), 973-977.
Rowland, J. T., & Baines, A. E. (2013). Misuse of pneumatic equipment: Injuries and prevention. Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs, 1(4), 145-150.
Shaw, C. A., & Paulsen, K. L. (2002). Severe pneumatic injury to the colorectal region. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 22(1), 53-56.
Sutherland, G. A., & Roberts, M. J. (1985). Colorectal trauma from pneumatic machinery: Case reports and literature review. Journal of Trauma, 25(3), 245-250.
Thompson, G. P., & Evans, D. T. (1990). Compressed air injuries in industrial settings: A review of the risks and prevention. Industrial Health, 28(1), 31-39.
Turner, R. J., & Hawkins, A. M. (1996). Colorectal injury induced by high-pressure air: Case study and literature review. Journal of Occupational Health and Safety, 11(2), 119-124.
Vella, J. R., & Wolfe, R. R. (1991). High-pressure air injuries: Prevention and management strategies. American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 9(4), 298-302.
Wilson, D. S., & Clark, T. J. (2017). Industrial compressed air injuries: Review of incidents and safety recommendations. Occupational Medicine, 67(5), 393-398.
View Dimensions
View Altmetric
Save
Citation
View
Share