Abstract
The overall frequency and types of complications associated with diagnostic coloscopy and coloscopic polypectomy are unknown. A statewide survey of coloscopists was conducted to determine the morbidity and mortality associated with coloscopy. Twenty-eight physicians performed a total of 1,106 coloscopic procedures. 9 colonic perforations and 5 episodes of colonic bleeding resulted in a 1.3% complication rate. Explanations for several of the complications are identified and preventive measures proposed. 1 patient died of an unrecognized perforation of the sigmoid colon, resulting in a 0.09% mortality rate. Of 14 complications reported in this series, 12 occurred during the early experience (less than 40 procedures) of the coloscopist. Training programs in coloscopy need to be established in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with a physician's early coloscopic experience.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Wolff WI, Shinya H, Geffen A, Ozaktay SZ: Colonofiberoscopy. A new and valuable diagnostic modality. Am J Surg 123:180–184, 1972
Hansen LK: Colonoscopy. A study of 50 cases. Scand J Gastroenterol 6:687–691, 1971
Teague RH, Salmon PR, Read AE: Fiberoptic examination of the colon: A review of 255 cases. Gut 14:139–142, 1973
Nagy GS: Fibrecolonoscopy. Med J Aust 1:378–382, 1973
Classen M: Fiberendoscopy of the intestine. Gut 12:330–338, 1971
Morrissey JF: Gastrointestinal endoscopy. Gastroenterology 62:1241–1268, 1972
Colcher H: Hospital privileges of performing gastrointestinal endoscopy. JAMA 225:58, 1973
Bloom BS, Goldhaber SZ, Sugarbaker PH, O'Connor NE: Fiberoptics: Morbidity and cost. N Engl J Med 288:368–369, 1973
Wolff WI, Shinya H: A new approach to colonic polyps. Ann Surg 178:367–378, 1973
Berci G, Panish J, Morgenstern L: Diagnostic colonoscopy and colonoscopic polypectomy. Arch Surg 106:818–819, 1973
Spencer RJ, Coates HL, Anderson MJ: Colonoscopic polypectomies. Mayo Clin Proc 49:40–43, 1974
Sugarbaker PH, Vineyard GC: Fiberoptic colonoscopy. A new look at old problems. Am J Surg 125:429–431, 1973
Meyers DS: Colonoscopy. N Engl J Med 288:974, 1973
Lezak MG, Boldhamer M: Retroperitoneal emphysema after colonoscopy. Gastroenterology 66:118–120, 1974
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Dr. Schmitt is supported by a Special Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship Award (5-F03-AM-53883) from the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolic and Digestive Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Geenen, J.E., Schmitt, M.G., Wu, W.C. et al. Major complications of coloscopy: Bleeding and perforation. Digest Dis Sci 20, 231–235 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01070726
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01070726