81-year-old woman suffers ruptured colon from self-enema

An 81-year-old woman was rushed to the General Surgery Department of 19-8 Hospital in critical condition after attempting to treat constipation by performing a self-enema using a high-pressure water spray at home. The procedure resulted in a ruptured sigmoid colon, leading to widespread peritonitis and severe septic shock.

Upon arrival, the patient exhibited intense abdominal pain, a rigid abdomen, sweating, and low blood pressure. Emergency CT scans revealed that fecal matter had leaked into the abdominal cavity. Surgeons performed an emergency operation to remove the ruptured section of the colon, wash the abdominal cavity, and create a stoma using the Hartmann procedure to save her life.

Medical professionals, including Dr. Nguyen Thanh Luan, warned that using non-professional tools or high-pressure water can cause sudden pressure spikes in the colon, leading to tears or perforations. This is particularly dangerous for elderly patients with thinner intestinal walls. Doctors advise against self-enemas at home and urge immediate medical attention if symptoms like severe pain, fever, or rectal bleeding occur after such attempts.