Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for the Treatment of Anastomotic Leakage after Total Gastrectomy with Esophagojejunostomy
04:05

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for the Treatment of Anastomotic Leakage after Total Gastrectomy with Esophagojejunostomy

Published on: August 22, 2025

[Enema-induced intestinal perforation. A case report]

M Messina1, E Ferrucci, D Meucci

  • 1Dipartimento di Pediatria, Ostetricia e Medicina della Riproduzione, Sezione di Chirurgia Pediatrica, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy. messinam@unisi.it

Minerva Chirurgica
|September 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A severe case of pediatric constipation led to rectal perforation during an enema, requiring colostomy. Surgical intervention, including sigmoid colon resection, resolved the chronic constipation, restoring normal bowel function.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Case Reports

Background:

  • Chronic constipation is common in children, sometimes necessitating interventions like enemas.
  • Enemas, while generally safe, carry a risk of severe complications, including rectal perforation.

Observation:

  • A pediatric patient with lifelong chronic constipation experienced rectal perforation during an enema.
  • This complication necessitated a Mikulitz colostomy on the descending colon.

Findings:

  • The underlying cause was identified as an elongated sigmoid colon (dolicho-sigmoid).
  • Surgical resection of the affected sigmoid colon segment and subsequent re-canalization were performed.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for severe complications from enema use in pediatric constipation.
  • Surgical management, including sigmoid resection, can effectively treat severe chronic constipation caused by anatomical abnormalities.

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema01:23

Lower GI Series: Barium Enema

A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...