Colonoscopy Results in Severe Intestinal Perforation

Case Overview

This case involves a sixty-five-year-old female patient who underwent an endoscopy and colonoscopy after suffering from chronic anemia of unknown etiology. According to the medical record, the physician mentions that during the procedure, there was technical difficulty due to restrictions of movement of the colon and that a perforation of the sigmoid colon was suspected. He attributed the failure to sigmoid looping and noted a perforation at 18 cm while removing the scope camera. The patient had to undergo a sigmoid resection with end colostomy via the Hartmann procedure. As a consequence of the fair amount of peritoneal irritation and fluid in the pelvis, a decision was made not to attempt primary anastomosis.

Questions to the Gastroenterology expert and their responses

Is this an accepted outcome?

Generally, a colonoscopy is a safe procedure and complications are rare. Such complications may include colonic perforation, bleeding, infection, abdominal distention, postpolypectomy coagulation syndrome, splenic rupture, small bowel obstruction, and medication effects.

How should the perforation have been recognized sooner to prevent such serious complications?

Mechanical perforation by the tip of the instrument occurs at sites of weakness of the colon wall (diverticula, transmural inflammation) and proximal to obstructing points (neoplasms, strictures). Pneumatic perforation of the colon or ileum results from distention by insufflated air. It should be able to be detected quite rapidly as fever and leukocytosis may eventually develop with any of these perforations. When plain abdominal or chest radiographs show pneumoperitoneum, gross extravasation should be assessed, and, if present, surgical intervention is required. In the absence of leakage, treatment with intravenous antibiotics and close observation may be considered.

About the expert

This extremely qualified, fellowship trained expert has received his medical training at among the top medical institutions in the country. Over his 25+ year medical career, he has acquired high ranking clinical and academic appointments as well as several high profile professional society memberships such as the American College of Gastroenterology, where is is also a fellow.

E-005898

Specialties:

Gastroenterology

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