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Colonoscope incarceration within an inguinal hernia: a cautionary tale
1Department of Surgery, Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust, London.
The British Journal of Clinical Practice
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Colonoscope entrapment in an undiagnosed left inguinal hernia is rare. This report details a case, explains a potential cause, and describes the colonoscope retrieval method.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Complications
- Medical Device Incidents
Background:
- Colonoscopy is a common diagnostic procedure.
- Inguinal hernias can be asymptomatic and undetected.
- Rare complications of colonoscopy require specific management strategies.
Observation:
- A colonoscope became incarcerated within an undetected left-sided inguinal hernia.
- This event represents a rare but significant iatrogenic complication.
- The physical characteristics of the hernia contributed to the entrapment.
Findings:
- A review of existing literature on colonoscope incarceration in inguinal hernias was performed.
- A plausible mechanism for the colonoscope's entrapment within the hernia sac was elucidated.
- A specific technique was successfully employed for the safe removal of the incarcerated colonoscope.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare hernias during colonoscopy, especially in patients with risk factors.
- Informs proceduralists about a potential, albeit infrequent, complication and its management.
- Contributes to the body of knowledge on managing complex gastrointestinal endoscopic emergencies.