intracolonic explosion intracolonic explosion 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. this can happen during colonic exploration, as a result of the electrical nature of a colonoscope. a colonic gas explosion is rare; however, the result can be acute colonic perforation, 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.