Sigmoid perforation by compressed carbon dioxide.

Self-induced injuries of the bowel have various accidental mechanisms. This is a report of a 35-year-old patient with disruption of the recto-sigmoid junction caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) originating from a bottle of sparkling wine, which was introduced transanally for sexual stimulation. The patient underwent resection of the recto-sigmoid junction and primary anastomosis. The postoperative course was uneventful except for wound infection. The patient was discharged 12 days later. The physical backgrounds, the pathological pathways for perforation and diagnostic modalities including diagnostic pitfalls are critically discussed.