@article{ref1,
title="Air nozzle injury: barotrauma resulted from an industrial accident",
journal="Curēus",
year="2024",
author="Mhaske, Ashok N. and Gupta, Nishi and Mishra, Abhishek and Jaiswal, Shubham and Dausage, Chirag and Meena, Jyoti and Goyal, Gourav",
volume="16",
number="5",
pages="e61096-e61096",
abstract="Industrial accidents involving compressed air can lead to significant colonic injuries, ranging from minor tears to complete perforations. This study investigates a case of colonic barotrauma in a 40-year-old male oil refinery worker who suffered symptoms of lower abdominal discomfort, distension, and tenderness following the application of compressed air to his anus. Diagnostic tests, including blood count, abdominal X-ray, and ultrasonography, indicated fecal impaction, dilated bowel loops, and free gas under the diaphragm. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a 4 cm x 2 cm hole in the colon at the hepatic flexure. There were also small breaks in the mucosa at the junction of the recto-sigmoid. We surgically repaired the perforation with primary closure, metrogyl lavage, and the placement of an intra-abdominal pelvic drain. Two weeks later, the patient recovered without any complications and was discharged. This case report highlights the severe risks of non-medical compressed air exposure, as well as the critical need for immediate surgical intervention and preventive safety measures in industrial settings.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2168-8184",
doi="10.7759/cureus.61096",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.61096"
}