Abstract:

Background and Aims: Perforations developing during colonoscopy are rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients diagnosed with iatrogenic colon perforation caused during colonoscopy. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients who had been diagnosed with iatrogenic colon perforation caused during colonoscopy at the Kafkas University Faculty of Medicine's General Surgery Endoscopy Unit between January 2008 and December 2017. Demographic features, clinical findings, surgical intervention details, and follow-up data of the patients diagnosed with iatrogenic colon perforation during or after colonoscopy were recorded. Results: A total of 3,562 patients consisting of 1,712 males and 1,850 females had undergone colonoscopy at our colonoscopy unit. These procedures consisted of 2,561 total colonoscopies and 1,001 rectosigmoidoscopies. Polyp excision was performed in 300 and colon biopsy in 858 patients. Iatrogenic colon perforation developed in 8 patients in total, and the diagnosis was made during the procedure in 8 patients and 24 hours later in 1 patient. Among those patients diagnosed during colonoscopy, primary colorrhaphy was performed in 5 patients, primary colography with intestinal resection anastomosis was performed in 1 patient, and the Hartmann procedure was performed in the remaining patients. The Hartmann procedure was also performed in the patient diagnosed with colon perforation 24 hours after colonoscopy. Conclusion: Perforation can develop due to various predisposing conditions during colonoscopy. Primary repair is indicated in the early period and a stoma in the late period in these cases. Conservative treatment can also be used in experienced centers.

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