Shock due to Splenic Injury after Colonoscopy

• Main Authors: Erol G. Nallayici, Reinier de Groot, René A.A. van Zanten, Martijn F. Lutke Holzik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Karger Publishers 2017-03-01
• Series: Case Reports in Gastroenterology
• Subjects: Splenic injury; Colonoscopy; Complication; Rupture; Haematoma; Splenectomy
• Online Access: http://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/455940

Colonoscopy is a common and increasingly performed procedure. It is used both as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality. Splenic injury after colonoscopy is a rare, yet life-threatening complication, most often caused by traction on the splenocolic ligament or excessive manipulation during the procedure. Although non-operative treatment is preferred upon splenic injury, early surgical or radiological intervention may be necessary in specific cases, for example in case of haemodynamic instability. A 71-year-old Caucasian man was referred to our emergency room due to shock after colonoscopy 2 days earlier. A computed tomography scan showed splenic rupture with active intra-abdominal, venous blood loss, and microperforation of the colon. An immediate splenectomy and colon repair were performed through laparotomy. After 6 days, the patient was discharged from hospital in good health. Although splenic rupture is a rare complication of colonoscopy, patients with abdominal pain and/or shock should be checked for complications such as splenic injury and colon perforation.