Spontaneous perforation of the proximal colon following lung surgery.

Three cases of spontaneous perforation of the proximal colon following lung surgery are reported. The caecum was the site of the lesion in two cases and transverse colon in one. Gastric inflation due to assisted artificail respiration resulting in over-distension of the colon is considered to be the cause of these complications. The treatment was by immediate laparotomy and suture of the perforation in two cases and transverse colostomy in one. All the patients made a complete recovery.