Treatment of Colon Perforation Associated with Colonoscopy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Recently, non-operative conservative management or laparoscopic repair has been reported for the management of colonic perforation during colonoscopy. However, the preferred management strategy remains controversial. The purpose of the present study is to identify an appropriate strategy for the treatment of colon perforation during colonoscopy. METHODS: The medical records of patients who developed colon perforation during colonoscopy between May 2003 and November 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. The mechanism and site of perforation, the treatment administered, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 16 perforations were evaluated. Of these, 11 developed during diagnostic colonoscopy and 5 during therapeutic colonoscopy. The most frequent perforation site was the sigmoid colon (12), followed by the transverse colon (2), the rectum (1), and unknown site (1). Six patients underwent surgery due to signs of diffuse peritonitis 10 were initially treated conservatively. Among the patients who underwent surgery, four underwent laparoscopic repair and two underwent open repair. Among the patients initially treated conservatively two patients required surgery due to clinical deterioration of peritonitis and rectovaginal fistula. These 2 patients underwent repair with proximal diverting stomas. CONCLUSIONS: Colon perforation associated with colonoscopy is a rare event, but raises serious complications. Selected patients with colonoscopic perforation may be treated conservatively, but if these patients fail to respond to such treatments, extensive surgical procedures may be warranted.