Complications Associated with Colonoscopic Interventions: The 10-Year Experience of a Surgery Clinic

Abstract

INTRODUCTION[|]A colonoscopy is a routine procedure used for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate complications that occurred related to a colonoscopic examination and the results of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients who developed complications.[¤]METHODS[|]A total of 10 patients who underwent a rectosigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy in our endoscopy unit between January 2007 and January 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. The demographic characteristics of the patients, endoscopy findings, diagnosis of complications, time of diagnosis, and the treatment and follow-up results were analyzed.[¤]RESULTS[|]Of the 10 patients who developed complications, 6 were female and 4 were male. The mean age was 63.9 years (min-max: 48–83 years). One patient had a splenic injury, another patient had postpolypectomy bleeding, and 8 patients had an iatrogenic colon perforation. Complications occurred in 9 patients during a diagnostic endoscopic procedure, while 1 complication occurred during a therapeutic endoscopic procedure. One elderly patient developed a perforation and as a result of a delayed diagnosis, mortality was seen due to postoperative sepsis.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]Complications due to colonoscopic procedures can present with a varying clinical picture. Being aware of the complications and risk factors is of extreme importance for early diagnosis and the necessary intervention in these patients.[¤]

Keywords

• colonic polyps
• colonoscopy; hemorrhage; injuries; splenectomy.