TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2024//
TI  - Air nozzle injury: barotrauma resulted from an industrial accident
JO  - Curēus
A1  - Mhaske, Ashok N.
A1  - Gupta, Nishi
A1  - Mishra, Abhishek
A1  - Jaiswal, Shubham
A1  - Dausage, Chirag
A1  - Meena, Jyoti
A1  - Goyal, Gourav
SP  - e61096
EP  - e61096
VL  - 16
IS  - 5
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 2168-8184
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.61096
ID  - ref1
ER  -