Complications from inflation of a retention rectal balloon catheter in the vagina at barium enema

We describe two complications arising from the inadvertent introduction and inflation of a retention rectal balloon catheter in the vagina. Barium entered the uterus, fallopian tubes and peritoneal cavity in one and caused a forniceal tear and venous intravasation in the other. In both cases the catheter misplacement was attributed to atrophy of the perineal body. Various recommendations have been made to reduce the risks associated with the use of balloon catheters but we wish to emphasize the importance of a digital rectal examination to define the perineal anatomy and the use of a gloved finger to guide the balloon catheter into the rectum.