Laparoscopic repair of colonoscopic perforations: indications and guidelines

Iatrogenic colonic perforation is one of the most serious potential complications of colonoscopy. Standard management is surgical repair. No prospective data exist to clearly define the indications for laparoscopic repair. We report the largest case series to date of laparoscopic repair of colonoscopic perforations. A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing either exploratory laparoscopy with conversion to open repair, or laparoscopic repair of colonoscopic perforation. Exploratory laparoscopy for the attempted repair of colonoscopic perforations was performed in 11 patients at our institution. The mean colonic perforation size was 2.7 cm. Three cases were converted immediately to open laparotomy. A fourth patient that underwent primary laparoscopic repair of a 4-cm tear developed a leak at the repair site, necessitating reoperation. A fifth patient in whom exploratory laparoscopy was unrevealing underwent separate laparotomy for continued sepsis. Six patients underwent successful laparoscopic repair. Most perforations secondary to colonoscopy warrant rapid exploratory laparoscopy. Extensive inflammation or fecal soilage may require colonic diversion. Inability to laparoscopically localize the area of perforation or doubt regarding the security of the repair should prompt conversion to laparotomy. Laparoscopic repair of colonic perforations in experienced hands is a viable alternative to the open approach.