[Intestinal perforation after preoperative colonic tattooing with India ink]

Since the ability to palpate the bowel is lost in laparoscopic colon surgery preoperative marking of lesions is required to avoid "blind" resection. Endoscopic tattooing with India ink is the agent of choice because of its simplicity and the long-lasting stain. Only few complications have been reported using this technique. We present a case with localized necrosis and retroperitoneal perforation after endoscopic tattooing. Due to the formation of a local inflammatoric pseudotumor laparoscopic resection was impossible and open right hemicolectomy was necessary. Fever, abdominal pain and signs of local peritonitis after endoscopic tattooing should remind clinicians of this rare complication.