Spontaneous Rectal Perforation: A Rare Occurrence

摘要

Spontaneous perforation of the colon or rectum is a rare cause of acute abdomen in surgery. The presentation of this entity is similar to any other cause of peritonitis and preoperatively remains a diagnostic dilemma. We report a case of a 56-year-old man who presented with spontaneous rectal perforation and an emergency laparotomy was performed. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of this fatal disease and despite its rare incidence, it is important to recognize this condition at an early stage because it has high mortality if not treated early. Conversely, the surgical outcome is satisfactory provided surgery is performed in due time