Perforation following colorectal endoscopy: what happens beyond the endoscopy suite?

The risk factors for perforation from colorectal endoscopy have been well studied, but little is known about clinical outcomes beyond the immediate event.

To evaluate short- and long-term outcomes of iatrogenic colorectal perforation following colorectal endoscopy.

Retrospective review over 16 years at a single tertiary care institution.

Treatment interventions, morbidity and mortality rates, hospital length of stay, stoma closure rate, and long-term complications.

Of 132,259 colorectal endoscopies, 26 patients (0.02%) had a perforation (54% males; mean age, 67 years). The rectosigmoid colon was the most common site of perforation (65%). Thirty-eight percent of the perforations were recognized at the time of procedure, 31% presented within 24 hours, and 31% presented beyond 24 hours. Operative repair was undertaken in 85% of the patients, and 15% were managed with inpatient hospital observation. Primary repair was performed in 68% (defunctioning stoma in 18%). Mean hospital length of stay was 10.1 days. The overall postoperative complications rate was 55%, and wound complications were noted in 45%. The 30-day mortality rate was 19%. No death was observed beyond the first month. American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Classes 3 and 4 were associated with mortality (p = 0.004). Of 7 patients who received a stoma, only 2 patients (29%) had stoma reversal. Long-term complications included incisional hernia (10%) and small-bowel obstruction (5%).

Perforation following colorectal endoscopy was uncommon in this study but was associated with significant morbidity and mortality. An increased risk of death was noted with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class.