An intracolonic explosion or colonic gas explosion is an explosion inside the colon of a person due to ignition of explosive gases such as methane. This can happen during colonic exploration, as a result of the electrical nature of a colonoscope.
A colonic gas explosion is rare;[1] however, the result can be acute colonic perforation, which can be fatal.[1]
Cause
[edit]An explosion is triggered by a combination of combustible gases such as hydrogen or methane, combustive gas such as oxygen, and heat. An explosion can also be caused by Crohn's disease.[1]
Prevention
[edit]Careful bowel preparation, such as cleansing the colon before a procedure, is key to preventing an intracolonic explosion.[2]
See also
[edit]- Fart lighting, the intentional ignition of flatulence using an ignition source such as a lighter
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Ladas, Spiros D; Karamanolis, George; Ben-Soussan, Emmanuel (2007-10-28). "Colonic gas explosion during therapeutic colonoscopy with electrocautery". World Journal of Gastroenterology. 13 (40): 5295–5298. doi:10.3748/wjg.v13.i40.5295. ISSN 1007-9327. PMC 4171316. PMID 17879396.
- ^ "PRIME PubMed | Colonic gas explosion during therapeutic colonoscopy with electrocautery". www.unboundmedicine.com. Retrieved 2022-01-25.
Further reading
[edit]- Altomare DF, Memeo V (March 1993). "Colonic explosion during diathermy colotomy. Report of a case". Dis. Colon Rectum. 36 (3): 291–2. doi:10.1007/BF02053513. PMID 8449136. S2CID 6708108.
- Avgerinos A, Kalantzis N, Rekoumis G, Pallikaris G, Arapakis G, Kanaghinis T (April 1984). "Bowel preparation and the risk of explosion during colonoscopic polypectomy". Gut. 25 (4): 361–4. doi:10.1136/gut.25.4.361. PMC 1432339. PMID 6423457.