English abstract
Spontaneous perforation of the colon is rare and is classified
as "Idiopathic" and "Stercoral." Four patients with a total of 5
episodes of spontaneous perforation of the large bowel treated at
the department of surgery, Rustaq hospital over the past 5 years are
presented in this study as well as a literature review of clinical and
pathological characteristics of each case. Spontaneous perforation
of the colon should be considered in the differential diagnosis of
patients with acute peritonitis and free gas under the diaphragm.
The condition is usually associated with chronic constipation and
the use of NSAIDs. Early surgical intervention reduces morbidity
and mortality.
