An intracolonic explosion or colonic gas explosion is an explosion inside the
colon of a person due to ignition of explosive gases such as
methane
Methane ( , ) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula (one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms). It is a group-14 hydride, the simplest alkane, and the main constituent of natural gas. The relative abundance of methane on Ea ...
. This can happen during colonic exploration, as a result of the electrical nature of a
colonoscope
Colonoscopy () or coloscopy () is the endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel with a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus. It can provide a visual diagnosis (''e. ...
.
A colonic gas explosion is rare;
however, the result can be acute colonic
perforation
A perforation is a small hole in a thin material or web. There is usually more than one perforation in an organized fashion, where all of the holes collectively are called a ''perforation''. The process of creating perforations is called perfor ...
, which can be fatal.
Cause
An explosion is triggered by a combination of combustible gases such as hydrogen or methane, combustive gas such as oxygen, and heat.
Prevention
Careful bowel preparation, such as cleansing the colon before a procedure, is key to preventing an intracolonic explosion.
See also
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Fart lighting, the intentional ignition of
flatulence using an ignition source such as a
lighter
A lighter is a portable device which creates a flame, and can be used to ignite a variety of items, such as cigarettes, gas lighter, fireworks, candles or campfires. It consists of a metal or plastic container filled with a flammable liquid or ...
References
Further reading
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Gastrointestinal tract disorders
Medical emergencies
Explosions
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