Florida Man's Colon Prolapses After Sneeze, Makes Full Recovery

A Florida man in his 60s experienced a medical emergency following a sneeze, according to a report in the New York Post. The man, who underwent recent abdominal surgery for prostate cancer, reportedly suffered a colon prolapse while having breakfast with his wife.

Prolapse occurs when an organ protrudes from its normal position. In this case, the man's forceful sneeze caused part of his colon to push through the abdominal wall.

Quick Thinking and Medical Attention

Fortunately, the situation didn't result in significant blood loss. The man was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Doctors performed a successful laparotomy, a surgical procedure that involves opening the abdomen to examine or repair internal organs. The medical team also examined the man's small intestine to ensure no other injuries were present.

Underlying Risk Factors

The report highlights the man's recent abdominal surgery as a possible contributing factor to the prolapse. Abdominal surgeries can weaken the muscles that support the intestines, increasing the risk of prolapse.

Importance of Seeking Medical Attention

While this case may seem unusual, it underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any concerning abdominal protrusions. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a full recovery, as in this man's case. 

It's important to note that this is a rare occurrence, and forceful sneezes typically don't cause organ prolapses in healthy individuals with strong abdominal walls.