[Colonic perforation in patients undergoing colonoscopy]

Colonic perforations associated with colonoscopy are uncommon. We determined the incidence, clinical presentation, and medical and surgical treatments of iatrogenic colon perforations. We present the medical records of 8 patients with iatrogenic colorectal perforations seen over a period of 17 years. The median age 68.3 years. Emergency laparotomy was performed in 7 patients. One case was treated with a medical approach. One postoperative death occurred. In the absence of significant contamination primary repair is the best treatment. Non-operative management is indicated in patients without peritoneal irritation.