Splenic Laceration Post Colonoscopy: A Rare Complication

The number of colonoscopies performed in the United States is increasing each year. Although the procedure is generally safe and effective, complications can arise. Splenic laceration is an extremely rare complication of colonoscopy.

A 71-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain and left shoulder pain accompanied by nausea within 24 h of undergoing a colonoscopy. A computed tomography scan showed hemoperitoneum, with findings suggestive of a splenic laceration. Upon laparoscopy, the patient was found to have a splenic laceration with active bleeding. She was treated with splenectomy. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Colonoscopy is one of the most commonly performed outpatient procedures in the United States. As such, being able to recognize potential complications of the procedure is essential. With the number of colonoscopies being performed each year increasing, the emergency physician should be aware of the remote possibility of splenic injury as a cause of abdominal pain whenever a history of recent colonoscopy is elicited from the patient.