Verres needle desufflation as an effective treatment option for colonic perforation after colonoscopy

This study aimed to assess the incidence of colonoscopic perforation and the efficacy of minimal invasive management by Verres needle desufflation.

All colonoscopies performed between January 2007 and January 2012, at the Maastricht University Medical Centre, were reviewed.

During the study period, 18,449 colonoscopies were performed. Fourteen colonoscopic perforations were diagnosed. Seven patients underwent immediate surgery, whereas the remaining 7 patients were initially managed conservatively: 5 of these patients also underwent Verres needle desufflation. One of the patients who received Verres needle desufflation underwent secondary surgery because of failure of nonsurgical treatment. Conservative management of colonoscopic perforation, including treatment with Verres needle desufflation, was associated with lower complication rates and shorter hospital stays compared with immediate surgical intervention.

Verres needle desufflation in combination with nil per os and antibiotic treatment is a safe option for managing colon perforation after colonoscopy in selected patients lacking clinical signs of peritonitis or sepsis.