ObjectiveTo discuss the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous perforation of the large intestine.MethodsThe clinical data of 9 cases with spontaneous perforation of the large intestine admitted into our hospital since 1994 were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsAll the 9 cases were over 60 years of age, had no specific clinical manifestations, and were misdiagnosed preoperatively. Among them, 4 cases had a longstandinghistory of hypertension and arteriosclerosis, and 6 cases had habitual constipation.There was 1 case with perforation of transverse colon,1 case of descending colon, 3 cases of sigmoid colon, and 4 cases of upper rectum. Four cases underwent exteriorization after a simple closure of the perforation, while in the other 5 cases closure of the perforation was followed by a loop colostomy.The postoperative complications included cardiac arrhythmia(1 case), lung infection(2 cases), and infection of incisional wound(1 case).All cases recovered smoothly and were discharged.ConclusionsSpontaneous perforation of the large intestine usually presents in old patients, and frequeatly occurs in the rectum and sigmoid colon. It is usually misdiagnosed preoperatively, and surgical intervention should be performed as soon as possible. The operation should be simple. It is crucial to intensify management after operation.