Splenic injury following elective colonoscopy: a rare complication

Abstract

Splenic injury is an extremely rare, yet serious, complication related to colonoscopy. So far, less than 80 cases have been reported worldwide since 1970. With the increasing use of colonoscopy, endoscopists, surgeons and radiologists are more likely to encounter this unusual complication. Increased splenocolic adhesions, splenomegaly or underlying splenic disease might, inter alia, constitute a predisposing factor. However, it might also occur in patients without significant adhesions or underlying splenic pathology. Patients with abdominal pain, hypotension and a fall in hematocrit without rectal bleeding after colonoscopy, should be suspected of having splenic injury. Most patients present with symptoms within 24 hours after colonoscopy, nevertheless, delayed presentations have been described as well. We report such a case of splenic injury secondary to colonoscopy. The patient was presented with hemorrhagic shock and abdominal pain following a colonoscopy which had taken place before 36 hours, an urgent splenectomy was required with successful outcome.