Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
02:09
Application of Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy with Total Blood Flow Occlusion in Benign Splenic Lesions
Published on: December 20, 2024
Colonoscopic splenic injuries: incidence and management
Ashwin S Kamath1, Corey W Iqbal, Michael G Sarr
1Department of GI and General Surgery, Mayo Clinic Rochester, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Summary
Splenic injury during colonoscopy is a rare but serious complication, with an incidence of 0.001%. Patients typically present with abdominal pain and require emergent splenectomy for management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Complications
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Splenic injuries are rare but serious complications following colonoscopy.
- Existing literature is primarily based on case reports, lacking incidence data.
- This study aims to define the incidence and management of splenic injuries during colonoscopy at a single institution.
Observation:
- A total of 296,248 colonoscopies were reviewed, identifying four direct splenic injuries (incidence 0.001%).
- Three additional cases of splenic injury post-colonoscopy were treated at the referral center.
- Patients presented with abdominal pain and a significant drop in hemoglobin, requiring transfusions and splenectomy.
Findings:
- The incidence of colonoscopy-related splenic injury is 0.001%.
- All seven patients required splenectomy, with six undergoing the procedure within 24 hours.
- No postoperative complications or deaths were reported, with all patients surviving at median follow-up.
Implications:
- Splenic injury is a rare but critical complication of colonoscopy demanding prompt recognition and management.
- Emergent splenectomy is the standard treatment for hemodynamically unstable patients.
- Further research may explore preventative strategies and non-operative management options.
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