Recurrent spontaneous perforation of the colon

A 58-year-old man with recurrent spontaneous perforations of the colon is reported. The first two events were of the sigmoid colon, and a sigmoidectomy was performed after the second perforation. The third spontaneous perforation had occurred in the transverse colon, however, although a patent sigmoid colostomy was present. Neither primary colonic pathology nor elevated intraluminal pressure were found, which means that the cause and pathogenesis of these perforations are unknown. Six months later, a subtotal colectomy with ileosigmoid anastomosis was performed with an apparent satisfactory result.