A Case Report of Colonoscopy-Induced Splenic Laceration: Risks and Outcomes

Omar Rafa^{1, 2,} , Aaron Campeas^{1, 2} and Eric J. Basile^{1, 2}

¹Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center NJ 07601, United States

²Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine New York, NY 10027, United States

Cite this paper:
Omar Rafa, Aaron Campeas and Eric J. Basile. A Case Report of Colonoscopy-Induced Splenic Laceration: Risks and Outcomes. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021; 9(7):378-379. doi: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-7-10

Abstract

Colonoscopies are performed in order to screen for and identify gastrointestinal malignancies, underlying colonic bleeds, and structural anomalies or defects. Though the procedure largely has few complications, some of the potential adverse outcomes include splenic laceration, colonic perforation, hemorrhage due to prolonged bleeding from biopsy sites, generalized abdominal bloating and pain, and anesthesia-related adverse reactions. In this paper, we present a case of grade 3 splenic laceration post routine colonoscopy. Splenic lacerations range in presentation from completely asymptomatic, non-life-threatening to immediate hemodynamic instability. It is vitally important to recognize this potential complication clinically because proper management and timely recognition has the potential to improve survival outcomes.

Keywords:
colonoscopy splenic laceration gastroenterologist

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