Pneumatosis coli secondary to colonic obstruction. A case report.

A case of pneumatosis coli of the caecum and ascending colon with a closed loop obstruction secondary to carcinoma of the descending colon is presented. The caecum was grossly distended and impending rupture was diagnosed. It is postulated that complete transmural rupture of the caecum was prevented by partial decompression of caecal air into the bowel wall.