[Acute abdomen caused by spontaneous perforation of the colon]

The literature on simple ulcer of the colon is reviewed. Three successfully treated cases of spontaneous perforation of the colon due to ulcer of the sigmoid, and single and multiple ulceration of the caecum are described, with particular reference to their aetiopathogenesis. The view that simple ulcer is caused by mechanical and circulatory factors, with or without inflammation, is expressed. Surgical management of this lesion must take the patient's age and local and general condition into account. These parameters will determine the type of operation employed, ranging from simple colorrhaphy to variously extensive resection of the perforated segment.