Spontaneous Perforation of Colon: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Objective: To present a case of spontaneous perforation of colon. Introduction: Spontaneous perforation of colon (SPC) is defined as sudden perforation of apparently healthy colon in absence of diseases or injury. SPC is an uncommon clinical entity which is seldom reported in literature, less than 100 cases were reported. Case report: A 82-year-old gentleman presented to emergency room (ER) with acute abdominal pain, for few hours duration. Pain started paraumbilically with sudden onset and then with increasing intensity became generalized. It was associated with nausea and vomiting. On general examination, he was conscious, alert. His vital signs: afebrile, pulse: 106/m, B.P: 140/100, local examination showed generalized abdominal tenderness & guarding with absent intestinal sounds. P.R. exam showed remnants of stool with blood stain on gloves, no masses. Computerized tomography (CT) abdomen showed perforation of cecum. He was taken to operation room (OR) and right hemicolectomy was done. Post operative period was uneventful and he was discharged in good health. Conclusion: SPC is a serious condition with high morbidity and mortality due to delay in diagnosis and management so, every effort should be made to make diagnosis especially in elderly and prompt surgical intervention should be done.