Rare complication of endoscopic band ligation for colonic diverticular bleeding

Abstract

A 79-year-old female patient receiving maintenance hemodialysis was referred to our hospital because of massive hematochezia. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated extravasation of contrast medium in the descending colon. We then performed urgent colonoscopy, and successful endoscopic hemostasis was achieved using endoscopic band ligation (EBL) for a bleeding colonic diverticulum. However, the patient unexpectedly complained of severe abdominal pain and fever 5 days after EBL, and abdominal CT revealed free air and mesenteric panniculitis. Emergency surgery was performed, and delayed colonic perforation at the EBL site was confirmed. Although rare, delayed perforation after EBL for colonic diverticular bleeding should be considered.