Diastatic perforation of the cecum without distal obstruction. Case report and review of the literature.

We present the first reported case to our knowledge of diastatic rupture of the normal cecum following cardiac surgery. All other reported cases of diastatic rupture of the cecum are reviewed. Nasotracheal intubation, hypoxemia, and enemas are thought to contribute to this complication. Prophylactic cecostomy for cecal diameters greater than 9 cm is recommended. Cecostomy and drainage are generally the treatment of choice should perforation occur.