Abstract
Six patients who underwent emergency laparotomy for perforations secondary to colonoscopy or polypectomy are described. Three patients had the laceration closed primary, two required colostomy, and one needed resection. When contamination is minimal and the colon is mechanically prepared, primary closure without diversion is the treatment of choice. Colostomy is rarely indicated and may lead to increased morbidity, in view of the need for closure. However, resection should be considered if suspicion of carcinoma is great. Factors that contribute to perforation include sedation, forceful introduction of the colonoscope, inadequate equipment for hemorrhage control, and prolonged application of electrocoagulation to the colonic wall.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Shahmir M, Schuman BM. Complications of fiberoptic endoscopy. Gastrointest Endos 1980;26:86–91.
Smith LE. Fiberoptic colonoscopy: complications of colonoscopy and polypectomy (symposium). Dis Colon Rectum 1976;19:407–12.
Bartizal JF, Boyd DR, Folk FA, Smith D, Lescher TC, Freeark RJ. A critical review of management of 392 colonic and rectal injuries. Dis Colon Rectum 1974;17:313–8.
Schrock TR, Christensen N: Management of perforating injuries of the colon. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1972;135:65–8.
Adair HM, Hishon S. The management of colonoscopic and sigmoidoscopic perforation of the large bowel. Br J Surg 1981;68:415–6.
Kunath U. Symptoms and treatment of iatrogenic rectum-colon perforations. Proctology 1979;2:31–6.
Thorbjarnarson B. Iatrogenic and related perforations of the large bowel. Arch Surg 1962;84:608–14.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private ones of the authors and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the view of the Navy Department or the Naval service at large.
About this article
Cite this article
Vincent, M., Smith, L.E. Management of perforation due to colonoscopy. Dis Colon Rectum 26, 61–63 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02554687
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02554687