Article Text
Abstract
Splenic injury after colonoscopy is a rare (1:100 000) but serious complication after colonoscopy associated with high morbidity. Consequences range from a mild, self-limited splenic haematoma to the catastrophic shattered spleen and haemorrhagic shock. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman reporting to the emergency department with abdominal pain after colonoscopy. Abdominal CT with intravenous contrast showed a grade I splenic laceration with no active bleeding and a small amount of free fluid collected in the pelvis. General Surgery and Hospitalist Service recommended conservative measures. She was discharged 1 day later with normal haemodynamics and adequate pain control. In conclusion, patients with postcolonoscopy complications often seek evaluation in the emergency department; splenic injury must be considered in the differential. The significant morbidity and occasional mortality are reported from spleen injury after colonoscopy; therefore, the treating physician should promptly evaluate and treat this condition (with appropriate specialty consultation) to prevent untoward outcomes.
- endoscopy
- emergency medicine
- gastrointestinal surgery
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Footnotes
Contributors MM: evaluated and treated the patient; also performed significant manuscript editing. BCE: performed literature review and manuscript drafting.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
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