Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy

Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy

The colon, or large intestine, is the final segment of the digestive system. Its primary functions include absorbing water and vitamins produced by gut bacteria and transforming waste from liquid to solid to form stool. In adults, the large intestine is approximately 5 feet long and consists of four main sections:

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Do we need to adapt the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system after neo-adjuvant treatment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma?

Translational cancer research·2026

Same author

Response prediction after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in esophageal cancer using FDG-PET and multiparametric MRI: A prospective multicenter study.

Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology·2026

Same author

Diagnostic impact and reproducibility of p53 immunohistochemistry in Barrett's oesophagus: results of the Dutch Esophageal Pathology Panel (DEPP).

Histopathology·2026

Same author

Expression of carbonic Anhydrase IX in extramural venous invasion tissues of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma may provide additional prognostic stratification.

Cancer treatment and research communications·2026

Same author

Histopathological ultrastaging of mesocolic lymph nodes after colon cancer resection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Critical reviews in oncology/hematology·2025

Same author

Feasibility of optical stereotactic navigation for rectosigmoid cancer with deep learning-supported 3D modelling.

European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction

Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction

Published on: March 24, 2023

[Massive rectal blood loss after colonoscopy].

M T Milou Kampschreur¹, Gursah Kats-Ugurlu, Robert Jan van Suylen

¹Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis, Den Bosch, Afd. Maag-, Darm- en Leverziekten, the Netherlands. m.kampschreur@jbz.nl

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde

|July 5, 2012

Summary

A rare, fatal complication of colonoscopy occurred months after a polyp removal, leading to rectal perforation and fatal hemorrhage. This case highlights the potential for delayed, life-threatening consequences from endoscopic procedures.

More Related Videos

The Pocket-Creation Procedure of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Large Rectal Laterally Spreading Tumors

The Pocket-Creation Procedure of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Large Rectal Laterally Spreading Tumors

Published on: February 13, 2026

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Published on: October 16, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction

Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction

Published on: March 24, 2023

The Pocket-Creation Procedure of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Large Rectal Laterally Spreading Tumors

The Pocket-Creation Procedure of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Large Rectal Laterally Spreading Tumors

Published on: February 13, 2026

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Published on: October 16, 2013

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Colorectal Surgery
Medical Complications

Background:

Colonoscopy is a common endoscopic procedure for diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal conditions.
Polypectomy, the removal of polyps during colonoscopy, is generally considered safe.
Diverticulosis is a common condition affecting the colon.

Observation:

A 70-year-old male presented with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding and hemodynamic instability.
A colonoscopy performed 1.5 months prior revealed sigmoid diverticulosis and a removed rectal polyp.
Post-mortem examination identified a rectal perforation and a secondary hematoma as the cause of bleeding.

Findings:

The rectal perforation was likely a delayed complication of the prior polypectomy.
A ruptured hematoma adjacent to the rectal perforation caused massive gastrointestinal bleeding.
The patient died from hemorrhagic shock secondary to the gastrointestinal bleeding.

Implications:

This case underscores the potential for delayed and severe complications following colonoscopic polypectomy.
Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for delayed complications after endoscopic procedures.
Even routine procedures like colonoscopy carry a risk of rare but potentially lethal outcomes.