Splenic Rupture in an Obstructed Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Emergency colorectal cancer accounts for 20% of colorectal cancer which usually presents late with obstruction, perforation, bleeding or abdominal pain. Small or large bowel obstruction occurs as a result of advanced proximal or distal colon cancer. Surgical treatment is mandatory to alleviate the intestinal obstruction, which may include resection of the underlying colon cancer. Case Report: This is a case report of splenic rupture resulting from an obstructed sigmoid cancer in a 62 year old patient. The patient presented with obstructive colorectal cancer symptoms. The patient suddenly developed severe abdominal pain and shock, CT scan diagnosis of splenic rupture resulted in early surgical intervention (splenectomy and Hartmann's resection). Conclusion: Rupture of the spleen is a rare complication of an obstructed colorectal cancer, which can present acutely in a shocked patient. Excessive traction on the spleno-colic ligament is believed to be the cause of subsequent splenic rupture.