[Colonic perforation following blunt abdominal trauma].

We describe the case of a fisherman who developed a delayed colonic perforation after falling into the bed of a stream. Colonic perforations after blunt abdominal trauma are not common; they mainly occur after a trauma of sudden deceleration, i.e. usually a traffic accident. Delayed perforations occur relatively frequently and are difficult to diagnose. In the initial stages the common diagnostic procedures are of little help and - except for early peritonitis - the clinical signs may be masked behind more impressive injuries. The history of sudden deceleration and the finding of persistent abdominal tenderness may point to the imminent or manifest perforation. Usually the correct diagnosis is made at laparotomy performed for suspected abdominal injury.