Colonoscopic perforations: Single center experience and review of the literature INTRODUCTION Colonoscopy is accepted as the gold standard imaging modality for the diagnosis of colon and distal ileum diseases. It aids the detection of smaller lesions and tissue sampling and also functions as a therapeutic procedure for intestinal diseases. Similar to other invasive procedures, colonoscopy has been associated with various complications; among these, perforation is the most important. Iatrogenic colonic perforation has high rates of mortality and morbidity. It is mainly divided into two categories: diagnostic and therapeutic (1, 2). Management includes both medical and surgical approaches. However, the best approach for treatment depends on various factors, such as the patient's general condition, age, comorbidities, and, most importantly, the time between the onset and diagnosis of perforation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of perforation in a large colonoscopy series, discuss patient management strategies, and analyze the clinical consequences of iatrogenic colonic perforation.
MATERIAL AND METHODSBetween January 2005 and May 2015, a total of 31,655 lower GIS endoscopies were performed at our center. Patients with iatrogenic colonic perforations were investigated retrospectively. All procedures were conducted under sedoanalgesia. The procedures were performed by 27 endoscopists, including 24 general surgeons and 3 gastroenterology specialists. The experience of the endoscopists varied between 2 and 15 years.We analyzed the demographic characteristics of the patients, the type of procedure (therapeutic or diagnostic), indications for colonoscopy and associated colonic disease, location and detection time of perforation, management strategy (operative or nonoperative), and complications.The perforations were detected either during colonoscopy by observing a visible defect in the colonic wall (mesenteric or antimesenteric side) or after the procedure by detecting free intra-abdominal air upon radiological examination. Patients who complained of abdominal pain or distention following
195Objective: Iatrogenic colonic perforation is a well-known complication that can increase mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing colonoscopy. Closer follow-up and a well-planned treatment strategy are required when perforation arises as a complication. The aims of this study are to (1) report our experience with a large colonoscopy series; (2) evaluate the underlying mechanisms of iatrogenic colonic perforation; (3) discuss the ideal period between onset and treatment; and (4) review the current literature regarding the management of iatrogenic colonic perforations.
Material and Methods:Patients who underwent colonoscopy between January 2005 and May 2015 at a single center were reviewed retrospectively. Procedures during which colonic perforations occurred were documented and analyzed.Results: Between January 2005 and May 2015, 31,655 patients underwent colonoscopy and 5,214 patients underwent recto-sigmoi...