Splenic Injury Following Colonoscopy: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Emergency Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Colonoscopy is a common outpatient procedure with generally low complication rates.
• Hemorrhage and perforation are the most frequent post-colonoscopy complications.
• Splenic injury is an infrequent but possible complication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of splenic injury following colonoscopy.
• To raise awareness among emergency providers about this rare complication.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 72-year-old male presenting with left upper quadrant pain after colonoscopy.
• Diagnostic imaging included point-of-care ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) with contrast.
• Management involved serial abdominal examination and laboratory monitoring.

Main Results:

• The patient underwent colonoscopy with polyp removal near the splenic flexure.
• CT revealed a grade II/III splenic laceration without active extravasation.
• The patient was admitted for observation and management.

Conclusions:

• Splenic injury is a rare complication of colonoscopy.
• Emergency providers must be vigilant for this complication in patients with relevant symptoms.
• Initial management should focus on trauma care and consideration for intervention.