A case report of severe thrombosed hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse due to airplane toilet vacuum injury

Introduction This is the first reported case of severe thrombosed hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse due to an airplane toilet vacuum injury. This case report is important due to the common use of vacuum toilets on airplanes. Case report An 88 year old woman suffered injury to the perineum, rectal and hemorrhoid prolapse, fecal incontinence, and anal pain after becoming “stuck” on an airplane toilet seat, subsequent to inadvertent operation of the vacuum system while still seated. Grade IV hemorrhoid prolapse and prolapse of some rectal mucosa was confirmed on examination in the emergency room. Over the course of several months, the prolapse eventually resolved, and the sphincters regained their tone almost completely. Conclusion This case presents a serious and painful medical outcome resulting from the use of an airplane toilet. Thrombosed hemorrhoids resolved in an elderly woman over the course of several months