Abstract
Because of its relative safety, colonoscopy has become an accepted diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in the evaluation of patients with colorectal disorders. Many unusual complications of colonoscopy have been described, but only anecdotal reports of hernial incarceration have been published. We present a case of a rightsided hernial incarceration of the colonoscope that would not permit reduction of the hernia nor removal of the instrument by conventional means. The mechanism of incarceration, which dictates the size of hernia at risk for incarceration, is explained. The “pulley” technique, which was used to remove the instrument without surgical intervention, is described.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Smith LE. Fiberoptic colonoscopy: complications of colonoscopy and polypectomy. Dis Colon Rectum 1976;19:407–12.
Macrae FA, Tan KG, Williams CE. Towards safer colonoscopy: a report on the complications of 5,000 diagnostic or therapeutic colonoscopies. Gut 1983;24:376–83.
Smith LE, Nivatvongs S. Complications in colonoscopy. Dis Colon Rectum 1975;18:214–20.
Hunt RH. Towards safer colonoscopy. Gut 1983;24:371–5.
Rees BI, Williams LA. Incarceration of hernia after colonoscopy (letter). Lancet 1977;1:371.
Waye JD. Colonoscopy: a clinical view. Mt Sinai J Med NY 1975;42:1–34.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Read at the meeting of the New England Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Manchester, Vermont, November 3–5, 1989.
About this article
Cite this article
Koltun, W.A., Coller, J.A. Incarceration of colonoscope in an inguinal hernia. Dis Colon Rectum 34, 191–193 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02049997
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02049997