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Published on: April 17, 2020
First splenic rupture following an endoscopic esophageal myotomy: A case report
Thibaut Maniere1, Chadi Aboudan1, Nancy Deslauriers2
1Department of Gastroenterology, Charles-LeMoyne Hospital, Greenfield Park J4V2H1, Quebec, Canada.
Background:
The occurrence of splenic rupture is extremely rare during an upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy. Although infrequent, splenic rupture is a known complication secondary to colonoscopy. However, occurrence of splenic rupture after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has never been reported to date.
Case Summary:
We describe a case of a splenic rupture following a POEM for recurrent achalasia in a patient who previously had a Heller myotomy. Splenic rupture remains very uncommon after an upper gastro-intestinal endoscopic procedure. The most plausible cause for this rare splenic injury appears to be the stretching of the gastro-splenic ligament during the endoscopy. A previous surgery may be a risk factor contributing to this complication.
Conclusion:
The possibility for the occurrence of specific complications, such as splenic rupture, does exist even with the development of advanced endoscopic procedures, as presented in the present case after POEM.
Insights
Splenic rupture is a very rare complication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with no prior reports after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). This case highlights the risk, even with advanced endoscopic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Complications
- Endoscopic Procedures
Background:
- Splenic rupture is an exceptionally rare complication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
- While known after colonoscopy, it has not been previously reported following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).
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