Hemoperitoneum as a Consequence of Colonoscopy

Hemoperitoneum without evidence of organ damage is a rare complication of colonoscopy. It is most frequently seen in association with splenic rupture due to traction on the splenocolic ligament. In our case, we present a 48-year-old cirrhotic man who developed peritoneal bleeding during a diagnostic colonoscopy for iron deficiency anemia. However, he was without signs of splenic damage or colon perforation. We suggest that the most likely source of bleeding is a ruptured portal-caval collateral vessel based on a computed tomography performed following the procedure.